You can now use Google maps as a Google pedometer thanks to gmap-pedometer.com. This is great for anyone currently without a pedometer. You can calculate your walking/running routes before or after a walk/run. The google pedometer makes use of google maps and let’s you create and measure routes that stick to roads and sidewalks, but it also lets you record routes that go off known roads. So if you can see a hiking trail on Google maps, you can measure your hiking route too. Instructions for use can be found HERE.
The google pedometer can be used to tell you how many calories you have burned among other things when you enter your personal statistics like height, and weight.
although the people at gmap-pedometer have made us a great Google pedometer interface, we can also use regular Google maps as a Google pedometer as well. To do this go to Google maps and pick a destination to start from. Then click the get directions button and pick your second destination. Google maps will now plot your route and by default give you the shortest route. You will notice that when you hover your mouse over part of your route a black circle appears with text saying “drag to change route”. by clicking and dragging you can choose any path you wish between your two destination points, and Google Maps will automatically give you the total distance from point A to B. The downside of this of course is that Google maps does not calculate your total calories burned, and does not take elevation heights into account. Overall the Google pedometer found at gmap-pedometer.com is much more effective.
For more information about pedometers as well as other health and wellness topics, see my other posts.
