On Google Maps desktop, north is the top by default; rotate the map and click the compass to snap back to north-up.
Opening Google Maps on a computer can raise a simple question: which way is north? On the standard map view, the map starts in a north-up orientation. If the view gets rotated in Satellite or 3D/Globe modes, a small compass appears near the lower-right. Click that compass to reset the scene so north points up again. The steps below show the exact cues, buttons, and fixes that remove any guesswork.
Fast Orientation: Read The Screen Like A Pro
Start with the easy tell. When you haven’t rotated the view, the top edge of the map equals north. Pan around as much as you like; panning doesn’t change orientation. Rotation is what changes where north points on your screen.
When you do rotate in a supported view, a compass appears near the lower-right panel. The red tip points toward north. A single click on that compass snaps the map back to north-up. That click is the fastest fix when the scene feels “turned.”
Find The North Direction On Google Maps For PC
Here’s a clean workflow to confirm where north sits and reset it when needed.
- Open Maps on your browser. Go to maps.google.com. The default map loads north-up.
- Check the view mode. In standard map view, rotation controls are limited. Switch to Satellite or Globe (via Layers → More) to access full rotation tools.
- Rotate when you need to. Hold
Ctrl(or⌘on Mac) and drag to angle and rotate in supported modes. A compass appears near the lower-right once the view is rotated. - Reset north. Click the compass once. The map snaps back to north-up, and the compass hides when orientation is reset.
Know When Rotation Is Available
Rotation on desktop works best in Satellite or Globe view. In the flat default map, the scene often stays locked north-up, so you may not see a compass at all. If you’re trying to rotate and nothing happens, switch views first. Many desktop guides recommend enabling Globe view for smooth rotation and a visible compass.
Use Street View To Read North At Ground Level
Street View includes its own compass. Drag Pegman onto a road to enter Street View; a small compass appears, and the red needle points north. It’s handy for corner turns or complex intersections where direction cues matter. Google’s help page explains how to enter Street View on a computer if you haven’t used it before. Use Street View on desktop.
Practical Cues That Tell You Where North Is
- Top Edge Rule: If you never rotated, the top edge equals north. No compass icon means you’re already north-up.
- Compass Needle: The red tip points north in rotated views. Click the compass to snap back to default orientation.
- Street View Compass: The mini dial in Street View shows heading on the spot and remains accurate as you turn.
Step-By-Step: Rotate, Read North, Reset
Use these steps any time the scene feels skewed.
- Switch view: Click Layers → More → Satellite. If available, tick Globe view for smooth rotation.
- Rotate the map: Hold
Ctrl(or⌘) and drag. Watch the compass appear; the red tip points north. - Snap back: Click the compass once to restore north-up.
Keyboard And Mouse Tips That Speed Things Up
Shortcuts change over time, and not every browser maps them the same way. One reliable trick remains: Ctrl (or ⌘) + drag to rotate and tilt in supported views. If you prefer ground-level checks, jump into Street View where a compass is always present. For general navigation aids and accessibility options, Google’s help page lists desktop features, including keyboard use: Accessibility in Google Maps.
Why The Compass Might Be Missing
On desktop, the compass appears only after you rotate the view. If the map is already north-up, you won’t see it. In some releases, users also reported periods where the compass didn’t show in the web version. If you suspect a temporary change or A/B test, try Satellite or Globe view, rotate with Ctrl + drag, then look again. Community threads describe this behavior and the workaround of switching modes.
North Checks Inside Street View
Street View is perfect for a quick heading check at an address or an intersection. Enter Street View, spot the mini compass, and align your view so the red tip points up. Exit Street View, and you can match that heading on the main map. The official desktop guide covers entry and movement controls in Street View. Street View on desktop.
Troubleshooting: Rotation Doesn’t Work
If rotation feels blocked, walk through this quick list:
- Switch to a supported view: Pick Satellite or turn on Globe. Then try
Ctrl+ drag again. - Look for the compass: After any rotation, the compass should appear near the lower-right. Click it to reset north.
- Enter Street View: Drop Pegman to confirm direction with the mini compass, then exit back to the map.
North Orientation Scenarios (Quick Reference)
Use this compact table to decode what you’re seeing. It’s built for fast checks while you work.
| Where You Are | North Indicator | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Map (no rotation) | No compass on screen | Top edge equals north; no action needed |
| Satellite/Globe view (rotated) | Compass near lower-right; red tip points north | Click the compass to reset north-up |
| Street View | Mini compass in the viewer | Use the red tip for heading; exit to map when done |
Real-World Tips That Save Time
- Use Globe for tricky areas: Complex terrain or dense downtown blocks read better in Globe view with rotation enabled.
- Reset before you share: If you’re sending a link to a coworker or client, click the compass first so the link opens north-up for them.
- Cross-check at ground level: When an intersection confuses you, jump into Street View and read the mini compass there.
FAQ-Free Clarifications You Might Want
Do you always see a compass? No. It appears only after rotation in map view. In Street View, a small compass is present inside the viewer.
Can you rotate in the basic map? Often no. Switch to Satellite or Globe for full rotation tools, then use the compass to reset north when needed.
Is north always up by default? Yes. When you first open the web map, the scene is north-up until you rotate.
Quick Checklist Before You Close The Tab
- Top edge = north in the default view.
- Rotate in Satellite or Globe modes; look for the compass.
- Red needle = north; click once to snap back.
- Street View has its own compass for ground-level checks.