How to Get Land Area from Google Maps

Google Maps is a powerful tool not just for navigating roads or finding local businesses but also for determining the area of a specific land parcel. Whether you’re a property buyer, real estate agent, or just a curious individual, knowing how to measure land area accurately can be invaluable. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to get land area from Google Maps, offering step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure precision.

Introduction

Imagine you're eyeing a piece of land for potential purchase. You've found it on Google Maps and are eager to know its exact dimensions. While Google Maps offers a range of functionalities, determining land area isn't always straightforward. This guide will walk you through the tools and techniques available to get an accurate measurement of land area from Google Maps.

Using Google Maps Directly

Google Maps provides a basic measurement tool that can be quite effective for determining land area. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Open Google Maps: Go to Google Maps on your computer or mobile device.
2. Find the Area: Navigate to the location of the land you want to measure.
3. Enter Measure Tool:
   • On Desktop: Right-click on the map and select "Measure distance."
   • On Mobile: Tap and hold on the map until a pin drops, then tap on the pin and choose "Measure distance" from the menu.
4. Create a Polygon:
   • On Desktop: Click on various points around the perimeter of the land. A line will appear connecting your clicks. Once you've clicked on the final point, Google Maps will display the distance.
   • On Mobile: Drag the map to trace the boundary of the land. The app will calculate the area as you mark the points.
5. View the Results: After creating a polygon around the land, Google Maps will display the total area enclosed.

Using Google Earth for Advanced Measurement

For more precise measurements or larger plots, Google Earth offers advanced features:

1. Download Google Earth: Install Google Earth Pro on your computer from Google Earth’s website.
2. Open Google Earth Pro: Launch the application and navigate to the area of interest.
3. Use the Polygon Tool:
   • Click on the "Polygon" tool in the toolbar.
   • Draw a polygon around the area you wish to measure. You can adjust the shape by dragging the vertices of the polygon.
4. Save and Measure: Once you have outlined the land, you can save the polygon and view the area in the "Properties" menu.

Online Tools and Apps

There are several online tools and apps designed specifically for measuring land area. These can complement the features provided by Google Maps and Google Earth:

1. Map Developers:

   • Visit Map Developers’ Area Calculator.
   • Enter the location and outline the land area using the drawing tools provided. The site will calculate the area for you.

2. Geoplaner:

   • Access Geoplaner’s website.
   • Utilize the map tools to trace the area and get detailed measurements.

3. Measure Map App:

   • Available on iOS and Android, this app provides straightforward tools for measuring land area directly on your mobile device.

Tips for Accurate Measurement

• Zoom In: Ensure that you zoom in close to the land area for precise measurements.
• Use Landmarks: Utilize visible landmarks or boundaries to guide your measurements.
• Check Accuracy: Double-check measurements by comparing them with different tools or re-measuring.

Conclusion

Measuring land area using Google Maps and its associated tools can be straightforward with the right approach. Whether you use the built-in features of Google Maps, the advanced capabilities of Google Earth, or specialized online tools, the key is to ensure accuracy by following the outlined steps and tips. With these methods, you can confidently determine the land area for any project or inquiry.