Walkers find new use for Google maps

Many people have discovered the Internet search engine Google and all its mapping programs. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Rick Wells has found a fun way to use one of those mapping programs to help track

Monday, November 7th 2005, 10:37 am

By: News On 6

Many people have discovered the Internet search engine Google and all its mapping programs.

News on 6 reporter Rick Wells has found a fun way to use one of those mapping programs to help track his morning exercise program.

Just about any way you slice it exercise is good for you. Whether you zip around on a bicycle or run or just take a leisurely walk. Wouldn't it be nice to be a little more sure about how far you walk or ride?

I got a tip on something to help it's one of Google's web sites, called gMaps-pedometer. It's easy. First, letâ€™s find my neighborhood. There is my house, I walk my dogs everyday, but I 'm never sure just how far we walk, this website will tell me.

Find your neighborhood on the map; you can use the zoom function in the upper left to get a closer look. Then use the mouse to double-click your way through the route. The computer will trace your route on the map and it'll keep a running total on how far you've gone.

The dogs love this walk. I prefer walking the neighborhood there's more stuff to look at. We can check on the progress of a new house. You can keep track of the leaves changing and get landscaping ideas, all of it while you exercise.

Here's an extra feature, a calorie counter. Enter your weight, it figures the calories you've burned. Now that number's for running, so just half it, that's a good walking estimate. Time for my dogs to go home.

If you want to find out more, check out the website.