Google Maps has become an indispensable tool for millions of people in the era of digital navigation. Whether you’re gathering where to eat, finding when the supermarket is quietest, or trying to get home, Google Maps has something to deliver. But with everything moving on, it’s uncomplicated to overlook some of Google Maps’ most valuable features. There are a bunch of hidden Google Maps features in the app and different tools to support you out day to day. It can even assist you in finding cheap gas, which is more essential than ever, and may shortly be capable of showing you the weather where you’re looking in-app on iPhones and Android.
In this blog post, we will explore the appropriate Google Maps ticks and tricks that will help to maximize your Google Maps Power.
History of Google Map
Google Maps originated as a C++ program crafted by Jens Eilstrup Rasmussen and Danish siblings Lars, along with Noel Gordon and Stephen Ma, while working at Where 2 Technologies in Sydney. Initially, the application was intended for individual downloads. Still, the team later proposed the concept of a purely web-based product to Google management, which led to a change in distribution method. In October 2004, Google Inc. acquired the Where 2 platform, and the technologies evolved into the web application known as Google Maps. During the same month, Google also obtained Keyhole, a geospatial data visualization company backed by the CIA. Keyhole’s Earth Viewer became the foundation for Google Earth in 2005, with other aspects of its core technology being integrated into Google Maps. Additionally, in September 2004, Google acquired ZipDash, a company specializing in real-time traffic analysis.
Google Map Tips and Tricks
Google Maps has revolutionized our approach to navigation. Beyond serving as a means of transportation from one location to another by car, on foot, or public transport, its mobile and desktop applications have transcended into something more profound. This omnipresent Google service now functions as a geospatial search engine, offering insights into the world around us. In light of this, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your Google Maps experience.
Helps to Measure the Distance
Google Maps always provides information about the length of a specific route, but you also have the option to create customized routes and determine the exact distance of your journey. The process is straightforward whether you’re using the mobile or desktop version. On the desktop, right-click the starting point, select “Measure distance,” and then click on subsequent locations. Google Maps will draw a straight line and display the distance for each segment, with the total distance shown at the bottom of the screen. For mobile users, initiating this process involves tapping and holding to drop a pin on the screen. Swipe up to access the relevant menu to additional locations can be added using the ‘+’ button.
Go Hands-Free with Google Assistant
Google Maps is closely integrated with Google Assistant, offering valuable hands-free functionality, especially useful when driving. Remember that nearly all Maps features can be accessed through a simple “Hey Google” command, at least for Android users. However, iOS users must take another step by tapping the microphone in the top right corner of the screen. This method also applies to Android users who still need to activate Assistant. Whether you need Google to locate a gas station, provide turn-by-turn directions, or manage your music playback, you can accomplish it without diverting your attention from the road.
Advanced One-Handed Gestures
You can enjoy many of Google Maps’ gesture controls with just one free hand – no need for both. It’s designed for one-handed use, allowing you to keep the other hand on the wheel. These gestures include:
- Zoom in by double-clicking and holding your finger on the screen.
- Zoom in and Zoom out by lifting up and down.
- Change the map orientation by pressing your thumb or finger against the screen and spinning it circularly.
- Change the view by swiping two fingers on the screen.
- Swipe up for a bird’s-eye view of the area, and swipe down to return to the traditional top-down perspective.
Avoid Crowds
With Google Maps, avoiding crowds is a breeze when running errands. Simply locate any place on Google Maps, which will provide you with information on the optimal and busiest times to visit. The app even offers real-time insights into the current activity level at that precise moment. Last year, Google expanded this functionality, allowing you to gauge the busyness of specific neighborhoods or areas directly from the map screen. This handy feature covers a variety of places, like restaurants, grocery stores, parking lots, outdoor spaces, and parks. Moreover, if you need to remember where you parked, Google covers you. Just tap the blue dot and choose “Save your parking” (for Android) or “Set as parking location” (for iOS), and your car’s location will be remembered.
Get Real-Time Transit Data
Google Maps serves more than just drivers, proving indispensable for individuals dependent on public transportation. Beyond assisting with driving directions, it provides real-time updates on trains and buses when you select the Public Transit option. Furthermore, you can inquire about this information through Google Assistant to eliminate the need to check your phone to decide whether to hurry to the platform or wait. Additionally, Google Maps includes detailed information about transit stations, covering aspects like accessibility for people with disabilities, on-site security, and train car temperatures.
Share Your Location and Trip Progress
You don’t have to bother texting your friends your estimated arrival time. There’s a more efficient way, especially if you’re driving. Google Maps allows you to share your trip progress, enabling your friends to check your location in real-time. This feature also proves handy as a security tool in specific situations.
- Open the Maps app to initiate navigation.
- Swipe up from the bottom toolbar and choose “Share trip progress.
- Select the contact or app to send your progress to, and the recipient will receive a link for real-time tracking.
To Stop Sharing Your Location:
- Repeat the same steps, but this time, tap stop sharing.
- Google Maps will automatically cease sharing once you reach your destination.
Find New Places and Save Them for Later
Google Maps serves as an indispensable tool for discovering local attractions and services. This proves particularly beneficial when navigating unfamiliar territories or exploring new areas. You can search for nearby establishments effortlessly by utilizing the dedicated hotkeys beneath the search bar. Common requests, like restaurants and gas stations, take center stage, but a comprehensive list of amenities and businesses is accessible by scrolling to the end. You can locate various services at your fingertips with a simple button push. Additionally, for places you find appealing or wish to revisit, utilize the Save option to bookmark these locations into customized lists that Google Maps helps you to create.
Choose More Eco-Friendly Driving
Whether you have a strong environmental concern or simply aim to maximize fuel efficiency, Google Maps can assist you in finding more eco-friendly routes. Instead of prioritizing the fastest or shortest paths, Google Maps directs you along routes that minimize fuel consumption. This is because factors such as stop signs, traffic lights, and other impediments can negatively impact fuel efficiency. Different vehicles perform optimally in various conditions, and this customization ensures an efficient journey. Users in certain regions will receive alerts if they are approaching a low-emission zone to help them avoid potential fees associated with high emissions. The eco-friendly routing feature is activated by default, but users can deactivate it in the settings menu.
Final Words
Mastering the array of Google Maps tips and tricks is essential for optimizing one’s navigation experience in the digital era. These features cater to diverse user needs, from measuring distances and going hands-free with Google Assistant to advanced one-handed gestures and real-time transit data. The ability to avoid crowds, share trip progress, discover new places, and choose eco-friendly driving routes further solidifies Google Maps as an indispensable tool. As technology advances, staying informed about these functionalities ensures that users make the most of this powerful navigation tool to make journeys smoother and more efficient for everyone.