1. GeoGuessr
GeoGuessr is definitely on the top of our list of Top 10 Google Maps games. It started as a small web app that gives you the challenge of guessing the locations of a series of random Street View images. After you’ve made your guess, it reveals the real location, and awards points based on how close you get. It’s so addictive that it gained a lot of attention. On the website we can read that it partnered with brands like BBC, Skoda or The North Face.
[UPDATE] As original GeoGuessr is a paid app, here’s free alternative – OpenGuessr with identical feature as original one.
Google Maps games – GeoGuessr
Open GeoGuessr
Also see: NASA has a video game to map coral reefs around the world
2. GeoPuzzle
GeoPuzzle is a geography-based game where players solve puzzles by arranging fragmented maps or geographic images to form a complete picture, honing their spatial reasoning and geographic knowledge in an interactive and entertaining way. With challenges ranging from identifying countries and landmarks to piecing together city layouts, GeoPuzzle offers an engaging experience suitable for players of all ages interested in exploring the world’s geography.
3. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?: This classic educational game series, based on the popular franchise, incorporates Google Earth imagery in its modern iterations. Players must travel the world to track down the elusive Carmen Sandiego and her henchmen, solving clues and gathering
4. Geostatic
GeoStatic, the thrilling game that challenges your knowledge of global geography! Test your skills by identifying countries, landmarks, and natural wonders, all while racing against the clock. Unlock achievements, compete with friends on global leaderboards, and explore detailed maps with educational insights. Perfect for geography enthusiasts and casual gamers alike!
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5. MapsTD
MapsTD is a tower defence game that uses Google Maps to generate levels from any location across the world. Your task is to defend your castle from attackers by strategically placing and managing your defense towers. It’s a pretty standard tower defence setup, but the pleasure comes from doing it across real-world streets and locations.
6. Google Maps Cube
Google Maps Cube is a game about Google Maps rather than based on Maps. It has been released as a promotion of G Maps after the launch of Google+ back in 2012. None the less it’s really worth mentioning. The game is about navigating a ball on a 3D Google Maps cube, avoiding the 3D buildings and other obstructions, by rotating the cube. You will play it only once, but you’ll have a lot of fun!
[UPDATE] Google Maps Cube is available to play with the Internet Archive: Wayback Machine
7. Driving Simulator
This 2D Driving Simulator is an experiment rather than an actual game. You can driver around the city with a car or a bus, the only problem is that it does not encounters any obstacles so in practice you can glide over everything on the map. Nonetheless I found it quite entertaining.
8. Back Of Your Hand
“Back Of Your Hand” is a map-based game that will test your geographical prowess like never before. Inspired by a familial fascination with local landmarks and street names, this game promises to challenge even the most seasoned cartographers. In this game, players are presented with random street names sourced from OpenStreetMap, spanning locations across the globe. Your task? Locate these streets on the interactive map within a time limit. Whether you’re navigating the labyrinthine alleys of Cork City or exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, each round offers a fresh challenge. Test your skills solo or engage in friendly competition with friends and family using multiple devices. With each round, you’ll sharpen your spatial awareness and expand your knowledge of global geography.
9. City Guesser
City Guesser is one of maps games that strives to provide an exceptional travel and guessing experience. City Guesser launched on August 13th, 2020, and welcomes thousands of geography-enthusiasts each day.
10. StreetComplete
StreetComplete is more of a mapping tool than a game, but it gamifies the process of contributing to OpenStreetMap. Players are presented with simple quests to complete, such as confirming the existence of a certain feature or adding missing information to the map.
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Do you remember a MapWheel? It’s an Australian start-up which found an interesting niche. They produce custom-made direction plaque (aka orientation table, toposcope or topograph) that shows the direction and distance from a your chosen home location to your selected points of interest. Everything is done via a web tool which allows users to customise MapWheel by choosing central location, points of interest, materials, fonts and border patterns. The final product is laser engraved and shipped to you worldwide.
MapWheel is now searching for funding on Kickstarter. So if you like the idea please support the project. There are 10 days to go and they’ve collected $8,639 out of $30,000 goal.
What I like about MapWheel is that it’s not a trivial and boring idea. It’s a perfect gift for someone who loves geography and maps. Something personal and useful but at the same time beautiful and smart. Hopefully the project will get funding.
