Google Maps Helper - Chrome Extension

A Chrome extension that enhances Google Maps navigation with quick zoom controls and view toggling. Perfect for property viewing, roof measurements, real estate, or any workflow requiring fast map navigation.

Features

🔍 Altitude Zoom Controls (Globe 3D View)

• Zoom In (↓ Altitude) - Decreases altitude by 20m (gets closer)
• Max Zoom (30m) - Jumps directly to closest possible view (30m altitude)
• Zoom Out (↑ Altitude) - Increases altitude by 20m (moves away)
• Auto-enables Globe 3D view if not already active
• Maintains tilt, heading, and camera angle
• Minimum altitude: 30 meters (safety limit)

🏠 Quick View Toggle

• Toggle Street View - Instantly switch between 3D Globe and Street View
• Preserves heading/direction when switching
• Maintains your current location

Installation

1. Download or clone this repository
2. Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions/
3. Enable "Developer mode" (toggle in top-right)
4. Click "Load unpacked"
5. Select the extension folder
6. Visit Google Maps - toolbar appears automatically

Usage Workflow

1. Navigate to any address in Google Maps
2. Click "Max Zoom (30m)" for closest view
3. Use "Zoom In/Out" to fine-tune
4. Click "Toggle Street View" to see ground-level details
5. For measurements: Right-click → "Measure distance"

Use Cases

• Real Estate - Quick property inspections and measurements
• Construction - Roof measurements and site assessments
• Architecture - Building surveys and site analysis
• Landscaping - Property layout and measurements
• Urban Planning - Site analysis and measurements
• General Use - Faster navigation on Google Maps

Tips

• Start with Max Zoom for fastest workflow
• Use Street View toggle to verify property features
• For accurate measurements, use Google's built-in "Measure distance" tool
• Zoom controls auto-enable 3D Globe view if needed

Technical Details

• Manifest V3 compatible
• Works on google.com/maps/* and maps.google.com/*
• No background service worker needed
• No special permissions required
• Draggable, minimizable toolbar

Browser Compatibility

• ✅ Chrome/Chromium
• ✅ Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)
• ✅ Brave
• ❌ Firefox (different extension format)
• ❌ Safari (different extension format)

License

MIT License - See LICENSE file for details

Contributing

Contributions welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.