Compass Google Maps Desktop ((exclusive)) [ Trending • 2025 ]

Under the hood, the desktop compass leverages the WebGL-based vector tile rendering engine (the same one powering MapsGL). When a user rotates the map:

+--------------------------------------------+ | | | Street View | | Panoramic | | Image | | | +--------------------------------------------+ | [O] Compass Ring (Shows current heading) | +--------------------------------------------+ Tracking Your Direction Drag the Pegman icon onto a street to enter Street View. compass google maps desktop

If you have switched from the Google Maps mobile app to your desktop browser, you likely noticed something missing: Under the hood, the desktop compass leverages the