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As-the-crow-flies returns to Google Maps

Google Maps is again letting users display distances as the crow flies - as opposed to following streets and trails.

Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy measuring distances in direct lines with Google Maps can rejoice: a feature that displays distances as the crow flies - as opposed to following streets and trails - is back.

Not only is it back, but it's more diverse and easier to use, says Google. Users can pick any starting point they want on the map, just by right-clicking and picking the option Measure Distance.

Viewers can then use the mouse to pick their destination, along with any of a series of midpoints, and see how far apart they are by enabling the Distance Measurement Tool.

All the points can then be moved around on the map, with Maps updating information about the total distance and the distance between individual points.


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