Texas Hill Country Maps

Texas Hill Country Maps are Great!

That is... if they have what you are looking for.

I am old enough to remember using paper maps to get around in unknown territory.  That meant I'd have to check the map when I made a stop.  Or... I would rely on a my navigator (Judy) to help me know when and where to turn.

Our Changing Times

But today, though, maps are digital.  They are easily pulled up on computers, tablets, phones, and dash navigators.  I have completely quit using paper maps.  And... I know some of you out there have never used a paper map.

I love it!

Texas Hill Country Map, estimated outline oval.Texas Hill Country by Google

Like I said... maps are great, if they show what you are looking for.

But if they don't, you are off looking for a different Texas Hill Country map that has what you want.  Right?

The example above is a photo.  You can see Texas and what surrounds it.  There are only a few towns and roads.  And I drew an oval in the middle to show you about where the Texas Hill Country is located.

The map shows what it needs to, but not much more.  And... it's a photo.  So it can't be changed.

Texas Hill Country Maps and Beyond

This form of a Google map, though, gives you a little more flexibility.  You have a zoom capability, as well as an option to drag the map to different locations.  And even a satellite view.

And, the view larger map button will give you a full screen view with even more options.

Just being able to zoom in and out helps with big picture views and closer details.   So this type of map would be much better than just a picture.  

Getting Around

Another great thing about various Texas Hill Country Maps, is that they can help you plan a day trip, a driving tour, or a weekend getaway.  They give you route options.

In this example below, a trip from Austin to Boerne shouldn't take much more than an hour and a half.  Of course you choose the route (through the Texas Hill Country or along the Interstate). 

But, you may want to make stops along the way... for lunch or whatever. 

Technology has navigation systems in most cars on the road today.  So it's east to recalculate a route, create a different route, or add an out of the way stop on the way to your final destination. 

Very handy.  I use it all the time, too.

Maps are not only helpful like this, they are fun to use.  

Anyway... I think they are fun.

Feel free to share.

I couldn't leave out an example of a satellite view.

I Can Do That

Did I hear you say... "I can do that.  I can get a map whenever I want."?

Of course you can do that. 

You've got it covered.  I know you have probably been using digital maps on your phone or in your car for a long time. 

Most of what I have been talking about here is fairly basic (useful but basic).

My intent here is not to dazzle you with new tech or something you've never seen before.  It is to simply present something useful and worthwhile for someone. 

But if you've got it covered... no problem.  Technology is great, right?

But maps don't only show towns and roads.  As well as specific routes (road trips), they can show points of interest, wineries, places to stay and eat, etc. (with info about each). 

And if they are interactive with additional information, that's a big plus.

So even though all of this is something you can do for yourself, a few scenic drives located all in one place might spur a few ideas for you about where you might want to go next. 

An interactive map loaded with specific area interests might even be more helpful.

This TexyHills map is an example of what I mean by interactive.  It is powered by Google, but has information specific to the Hill Country.

When you click on the "View Larger Map" icon in the upper right, it will open up into a full screen view. 

On the left you will see a list of options (Towns, Wineries, etc.) that you can check or uncheck to see different information on the map. 

When a selection is checked, the down arrow will open up even more information, grouping locations by town.  (The towns are grouped by County.)

And beyond that, when you click on an individual icon shown somewhere on the map, additional information pops up on the left about that particular winery, restaurant, etc.

So, look for changes and additions here as time goes by.  Hopefully, as the number of maps grows, and the information on them increases, some of you will find it interesting, if not helpful.  

Happy travels.