Windows 10 has included an app that allows you to view maps . We are all used to looking for a particular address or place to open the Google Maps site which works very well, but only if you have a fast internet connection.
Much better would instead be to live in the Windows 10 Maps app that works very well both on a desktop PC with the mouse and on a tablet.
Not a small thing, you can look at the maps even without having to have a PC connected to the internet.
Windows 10 maps are powered by the Here Maps online service, created by Nokia and the main competitor of Google Maps.
Then try searching Maps on the Windows 10 Start menu to find the Maps application that immediately asks if it can detect your computer's location.
By accepting, it will load the map of the city where you are in a very fast, clear and clean interface, with a bar of buttons on the right and the search at the top.
From the right menu, the buttons allow you to:
- Turn the map with the compass
- Orient the view by going to a bird's eye view.
- Point the map to our location
- View the satellite map and traffic situation in real time.
- The zoom that can also be done using the mouse wheel or using your fingers on the touchscreen.
The satellite view becomes really beautiful to see on cities like Rome by directing the bird's eye view, seeing the buildings in 3D .
To see the list of cities in 3D viewable from Microsoft Maps in Windows 10 you have to press the button with polygons at the top right.
The search bar allows you to find precise street addresses and also points of interest such as hotels and restaurants.
The app also works as a navigator and after finding an address you can see the directions to reach it from where we are.
Note that a portion of the map can be saved in favorites (by pressing the star) or even shared via email or printed using the buttons from the menu that appears by pressing the three dots at the top right.
To download the maps we need so that we can save and consult them offline even if the PC is not connected to the internet, we need to open the Settings from the Start menu and then go to the System section.
From the menu on the left is the item Offline maps to click or tap.
Then, on the right side, press the Download maps button and choose the area to save to view it offline.
Going to Europe, you can find Italy and download the map of one or more regions.
After making your choice, the download will begin and take a few minutes, depending on the size of the map and the speed of your Internet connection.
Note that in the offline map settings screen you can choose where to save them, if you have multiple storage disks, and whether to automatically update the maps even with a consumption connection (if you are using a Windows 10 tablet with limited data plan).
Once the map is downloaded, you can not only consult the map of the saved area, but also make searches and get directions.
