When it comes to technology, Google Maps has become an indispensable tool that makes navigating the world around us easy and convenient. But despite its usefulness, the map tool still has some tricks up its sleeve that you may not have known about—until now, that is! Below are some of the most useful Google Maps tips you need to know in order to get the most out of your mapping experience and make traveling even easier than ever before. 9 little-known Google Maps tips that will make your life easier
Plan routes using offline maps
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Offline maps is a feature of the latest version of Google Maps and it allows you to save map data on your phone so you can use it without an internet connection. This means if you’re traveling, you can still find routes in areas with spotty service or where no data coverage exists. You also don’t have to worry about paying for expensive international roaming fees either. If you’ve used Google Maps in other countries before, you know how frustrating it can be to input addresses into the app while outside of your home country’s region. With offline maps, this isn’t a problem as long as you download the map beforehand! There are two ways to do this: (1) Download regions one by one before leaving on your trip; (2) Download all the regions at once by clicking Offline Areas from within Settings menu.
See traffic alerts before you head out
Google Maps is one of the most popular mapping apps on the planet, and it’s easy to see why. It has a simple, easy-to-navigate interface, offers accurate traffic data, and lets you save maps offline so you can still access them when you’re without an internet connection. But it also has tons of other features that might not be as well known. Here are nine of our favorites Use your phone’s compass: If you need directions while driving but have no idea which way is north, just hold up your phone and spin it around in all directions. Your compass app should show north at some point – now you’ll know which way to go!
Change between different views without reopening the app
#1: Zoom in or out on a map without reopening the app – Double-tap and then drag on the map to zoom in, or double-tap and then pinch on the map to zoom out.
#2: Change between 2D, 3D, and satellite views without reopening the app – Tap the bottom left of the screen. To switch back to 2D view tap the top right of the screen. To switch back to 3D view tap the bottom right of the screen. To switch back to satellite view tap the top left of the screen. You can also get driving directions from any location by tapping the search bar at the top of the screen and entering an address or point of interest. You can also save routes for easy reference by clicking on Your places at the top left corner of the screen, scrolling down to find your desired destination, tapping Save, entering a name for it, and tapping Save.
Use Live Traffic layer on your route
Traffic is one of the most frustrating things about commuting, and if you’re trying to navigate a new area, it’s even more difficult. Fortunately, Google Maps has an awesome tool for dealing with traffic. The Live Traffic layer on Google Maps shows you how fast traffic is moving in real time, which can help plan a route accordingly. You can toggle the layer by clicking on the icon at the top of the screen or by pressing L on your keyboard. In order for it to work best, set up notifications so you’ll be alerted when something changes. There are other neat features on this map as well: Clicking on the tiny car icons lets you view alternate routes without having to enter a destination, and zooming out far enough gives you live updates of accidents around the country.
Get an instant ETA
Ever found yourself stuck on the highway waiting for a traffic jam to clear, only to discover it’s not going anywhere? The new ETA feature in Google Maps is here to help. Tap on the address bar and select ETA. In less than 30 seconds, you’ll see exactly how long you’ll be sitting in traffic before getting where you’re going. You can also get an ETA by typing ETA in the search box at any time. And if you want to know what routes are backed up ahead of time, tap on the icon at the top left of the map screen for real-time traffic updates. 9 little-known Google Maps tips that will make your life easier
Explore along the way
Google Maps is one of the most popular online mapping services, used by people all over the world to get directions to wherever they need to go. These nine Google maps hacks are sure to make anyone’s navigation experience a lot more enjoyable.
1) Save an area of interest as a shortcut in the app for quick and easy access in future. 2) If you’re trying to find what store has something you need, just type it into the search bar at the bottom right. 3) To view traffic in real time on the map without having to refresh your browser every few seconds, click on Layers and select Traffic. 4) Double click on any point on the map or tap and hold down until it zooms into where you tapped.
Know exactly where you are at any moment
One of the most underrated features of Google Maps is the ability to see live satellite imagery. This can be a lifesaver if you’re lost and it’s foggy outside, or if you need to know where a landmark is but it’s not on the map. It also gives you an excellent overview of the area so you’ll know how much farther until your destination. You can tap on an individual street or building and get details about its name, age, building materials and more.
See what’s around nearby without opening the app
Google Maps has a nifty trick up its sleeve for people who are constantly checking to see what’s around them. If you open the app and type in ok maps into the search bar, you’ll be able to see what’s around without actually opening the app! It’s a great way to get an overview of what’s nearby without having to open and close apps. In addition, if you’re not sure where a destination is located, but know it’s in a particular neighborhood or area on the map, try typing ok maps near followed by whatever it is you’re looking for. For example: ok maps near Starbucks or ok maps near Safeway. It might not work every time (you might need to specify which Safeway), but it does save some time if there are several stores within one vicinity.
Find places with Street View
Ever wanted to visit an exotic location but can’t quite afford the time or money? Street View is a great solution for this. Simply type in the location you’re interested in and voila, you’re there!
Street View also works on your own street. If you need to get directions for somewhere, but don’t know how to get there, all you have to do is go onto Street View and follow the arrows. You can even see what it’s like to walk through certain areas before committing to going there. Search for places with reviews: When travelling, it’s always good to research popular destinations before heading out. To avoid making bad decisions when choosing where to eat or drink, look up places on google maps with reviews so you can get a better idea of what they’re like. 9 little-known Google Maps tips that will make your life easier