Our method of global travel was totally transformed with the use of Google Maps. The majority of users are acquainted with its fundamental features, such as giving instructions and calculating trip time. But there are a ton of undiscovered features in Google Maps that may really improve your experience. Here are the best helpful features of Google Maps:
1) Offline Maps
It can be difficult to go to places with irregular internet service, but Google Maps offers a workaround. You are able to download maps to use offline. Finding your destination is as simple as tapping its name at the bottom and selecting “Download.” You can be sure that in the event that your internet connection is unreliable, you will still be able to access navigation by doing this.
2) Explore Nearby
In addition to being a helpful navigation tool, Google Maps may be used to discover new sites. Using the “Explore” option, you may find nearby restaurants, activities, and attractions. To get recommendations based on your location and preferences, simply press the “Explore” icon located at the bottom of the screen.
3) Real-Time Traffic Updates
You are able to steer clear of jammed roads by using Google Maps, which offers real-time traffic data. To provide the most accurate traffic statistics, the app leverages data from other users. Real-time traffic conditions can also be viewed by selecting “Traffic” by touching the layers icon.
4) Timeline Feature
Have you ever wondered where you were on a specific day? Google Maps’ Timeline feature allows you to view your past location. You may view a thorough record of your previous travels, along with the routes you took and the locations you visited, by pressing on your profile image and choosing “Your timeline.”
5) Street View
Street perspective gives you a panoramic, 360-degree perspective of streets worldwide. This is especially helpful if you want to locate a certain place or investigate an area before going there. To use this function, simply drop the yellow pegman onto a street on the map.
6) Custom Maps with My Maps
Making personalized maps for travel planning is possible with Google My Maps. To draw attention to particular places and routes, you can draw lines, markers, and other forms. This is useful for making itineraries, mapping out preferred locations, and organizing travel plans.
7) Voice Commands
When driving, it is important to use hands-free technology. Google Assistant voice commands are available for Google Maps. To make travel safer and more convenient, just say “Hey Google,” followed by commands like “Find gas stations,” “What is my ETA?” or “Avoid tolls.”
8) Measure Distance
Do you need to calculate the separation between two points? It is possible with Google Maps. To find the total distance between two points, long-press on a beginning point on the map, select “Measure distance,” and then add more points.
9) Indoor Maps
Large interior spaces, such malls, museums, and airports, are usually challenging to navigate. You may find in-building maps on Google Maps that include detailed floor layouts for many locations. Simply click on the image to enlarge it and traverse the building to examine the internal plan.
10) Sharing Real-Time Location
Meeting up with relatives or friends? Your real-time location is visible to others. Click on the photo of your profile, then select “Location Sharing.” How long would you like to share your location with someone? Organizing meetings is made simple with the help of this feature.
11) Integration with Other Apps
Google Maps easily connects to other programs and services. For example, you can use Google Maps to instantly arrange a ride with Uber or Lyft. Google Maps users have also added reviews and photos to help you make decisions.
Google Maps is a very strong tool with many uses beyond just directions. You can fully utilize the app and improve the effectiveness and enjoyment of your journeys by investigating these hidden features. To improve your navigation and experience, keep these suggestions in mind the next time you visit Google Maps.
Embrace the hidden treasures that Google Maps has to offer and allow it to lead you to fresh local and distant discoveries.
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