If you need to find out where something is but can’t afford a GPS unit or it’s simply not practical at this time you may have an alternative – Google Maps.

With Google Maps you can install it on a smart phone and use it like a GPS unit to find addresses, local businesses and even businesses in the area such as restaurants and stores because it allows you to perform a generic search. So if you are searching for a Mexican restaurant you simply type it in and it will search for you using the technology that your smart phone comes equipped with.

Once the free application is downloaded the user can now see their own location on a map, search for business listings, get turn-by-turn driving directions, street views, latitude, traffic reports, transit directions, biking directions and layers. It does most everything a GPS unit does but at no cost to the person using it.

Right now Google Maps supports many smart phones such as the Android, Blackberry, iPhone and others as well as Windows. Another nifty feature is that it has voice search so you can perform searches hands-free. Different phones support different functions with Google Maps so you do have to research to see which functions are available with your individual smart phone. However, with a quick visit to their website you can be on your way to easier navigation without having to pay an arm and a leg for a GPS unit.

Even if you already own a GPS unit it’s not a bad idea to have a back up plan so you’re never without a way of finding an address you are looking for. Plus, with the Google Maps application being a free download you have nothing to lose in trying out its features and abilities.