Google Maps has undeniably become an indispensable tool in our digital age. From navigating bustling cities to exploring remote terrains, this app has revolutionized the way we travel and explore. With over 1.8 billion monthly users, it dominates the navigation app market. However, not many are aware of the hidden features that Google Maps offers.
Here, we’ll talk about some of the most useful and lesser-known Google Map tricks. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a local commuter, or simply someone looking to make the most of your smartphone, these tips will enhance your Google Maps experience and help you discover new possibilities.
Glanceable Directions
Glanceable Directions is a Google Maps feature designed to provide essential navigation information at a glance. It displays crucial details such as upcoming turns, estimated arrival time, and distance to the destination directly on the device’s lock screen. This feature helps drivers a lot as it allows them to quickly check directions without unlocking their phone, minimizing distractions and enhancing road safety.
Offline Maps
Offline Maps is a Google Maps feature that allows users to download maps for specific areas for use when internet connectivity is limited or unavailable. This functionality proves invaluable in regions with poor network coverage, during international travel, or in situations where data costs are a concern. By pre-downloading maps, users can continue to navigate, search for places, and access basic map information without relying on an active internet connection.
Multiple Location Plotting
Multiple Location Plotting is a feature within Google Maps that allows users to plan routes with multiple stops. This functionality is particularly useful for trips involving errands, deliveries, or sightseeing. By adding multiple destinations to a route, users can optimize the order of their stops, estimate travel time, and calculate distances between locations. Multiple location plotting helps in saving time by providing a clear overview of the entire journey.
Booking Ride Option
Google Maps offers a convenient platform to book rides with various cab-hailing services directly within the app. By integrating with popular ride-sharing companies, Google Maps provides users with the ability to compare fares, choose the preferred ride type (e.g., economy, premium), and track the driver’s location in real time. This seamless integration simplifies transportation, allowing users to plan their journeys efficiently and effortlessly.
Incognito Mode
Incognito Mode in Google Maps allows users to browse without saving their search history or location data to their Google Account. This feature is ideal for those who value privacy or want to keep their map activity separate from their personal account. While using Incognito Mode, users can still navigate, search for places, and get directions, but personalized recommendations and features based on search history will be unavailable.
Special Need Routes
Google Maps offers Special Need Routes, including wheelchair-accessible routes, to assist users with specific mobility requirements. By selecting the “wheelchair accessible” option, users can find routes that prioritize sidewalks, ramps, and accessible entrances. This feature is invaluable for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can plan their journeys with confidence and avoid obstacles that might hinder their mobility.
AR View
AR View, also known as Live View, is an augmented reality feature in Google Maps that overlays digital information onto the real world through your device’s camera. This innovative tool provides real-time navigation assistance, helping you find your way with ease by displaying directions and landmarks directly on your phone’s screen. AR View is particularly useful in unfamiliar areas or when dealing with complex routes.
Go In The Past With Street View
Google Street View has a unique offering that lets you explore locations as they appeared in the past. By accessing historical imagery, users can virtually travel back in time and witness changes in streets, buildings, and neighborhoods. This feature is valuable for historical research, urban planning, and simply satisfying curiosity about how places have evolved over time.
Explore Feature
Google Maps’ Explore Feature helps users discover new places, restaurants, and events in their vicinity. By using this feature, you can find popular spots based on your location, browse through recommendations tailored to your preferences, and even view reviews, photos, and menus of nearby establishments. Whether you’re looking for a new dining experience, exploring attractions in a new city, or finding local events, the Explore Feature offers a personalized and convenient way to discover what’s around you. In fact, with 73% of U.S. businesses integrating Google Maps into their websites, this feature is widely leveraged for online visibility.
Grocery Shopping Solution
Google Maps has enhanced its capabilities to streamline the grocery pickup experience. With integration into grocery store apps and websites, users can now navigate to the store, share their ETA, and have their order ready upon arrival. The feature allows users to receive real-time updates on their order status, ensuring a smoother and faster pickup process. This reduces waiting times and enhances convenience, making grocery shopping more efficient for both customers and store employees.
Bird’s Eye View
Bird’s Eye View, often referred to as 3D view, provides a top-down perspective of a location, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the surrounding area. This offering is particularly helpful for navigating complex intersections, finding parking spaces, or exploring unfamiliar places. By combining satellite imagery with aerial photography, Google Maps delivers a detailed and immersive visual experience.
Indoor Navigation
Indoor Navigation extends Google Maps’ functionality beyond outdoor environments. This feature provides turn-by-turn directions within large indoor spaces such as airports, shopping malls, and train stations. With over 10,000 indoor locations available, Google Maps enhances navigation experiences indoors through partnerships with numerous locations, significantly reducing confusion and saving time.
Voice Command
Voice Command allows users to interact with Google Maps hands-free through spoken instructions. By activating voice recognition, users can perform various tasks such as searching for specific locations, requesting directions, initiating navigation, and even controlling the playback of audio content. For instance, instead of manually typing “nearest petrol pump,” users can simply say, “Hey, Google, find the nearest petrol pump”. This feature enhances convenience and safety, especially while driving.
Save Parking
Save Parking is a handy feature that allows users to remember the exact location where they parked their vehicle. By saving the parking location, Google Maps helps users easily find their way back to their car, especially in unfamiliar areas or large parking lots. Users can add additional details such as parking level, spot number, or even a photo for better reference.
Location Sharing
Location Sharing allows users to share their live location with friends, family, or contacts. This feature is useful for coordinating meet-ups, tracking the whereabouts of loved ones, or providing assistance in case of emergencies. Users can set the sharing time for a certain period or keep it ongoing, based on their preferences.
Deleting History
Google Maps allows users to delete their search and location history. This feature protects user privacy by removing data that might be sensitive or irrelevant. By clearing the history, users can start with a fresh slate and prevent their past searches from influencing future recommendations.
Playback Music
Google Maps also offers music playback integration with compatible music streaming services. This feature allows users to enjoy their favorite tunes while navigating, enhancing the overall driving or commuting experience. Users can control playback, skip tracks, and adjust volume directly from the Google Maps interface.
