15 Things you perhaps don't know you can do on Google Maps

If there’s an app that is widely used by one and all who commute on a daily basis, then it’s Google Maps. Google Maps is a web mapping service developed by Google. It offers satellite imagery, street maps, 360° panoramic views of streets (Street View), real-time traffic conditions (Google Traffic), and route planning for travelling by foot, car, bicycle and air (in beta), or public transportation. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Google Maps has changed the way people travel. Yet, quite often the app is used just for simple commute and navigation purposes when, in fact, it has a lot of other features to offer. Here we list out 14 things that you perhaps don’t know you can do on Google Maps:

1. Remember where you parked your car (for both Android and iOS)

Google Maps lets its users to save a spot as a parking location. For this users will have to tap on the the blue dot and then tap “Save your parking” (for Android) and “Set as parking location” (for iOS). You can also add additional details about your parking spot such as the level (if in a multi-level parking structure). Further, you can also share your parking location with friends.

2. Share your real-time location with others (for both Android and iOS)

The navigation app allows you to share your real-time location with your contacts. In order to do this, all you need to do is tap on the side menu or tap the blue dot that represents where you are. Tap “Share location” and then select who to share with. Additionally, you can also set the time limit for which you want that contact to live track you.

3. Find out nearby places like petrol pumps, restaurants, ATMs and more (for both Android and iOS)

From ATM to a petrol pump, bar to a restaurant, Google Maps will allow you to search almost anything around your current location. Not only that, the app will also list out essential details about that place such as hours of operation, business phone numbers, ratings, and more.

4. Compare prices of cabs like Uber, Ola and others (for both Android and iOS)

Next time you want to take a cab, don't just check the traffic update in the Google Maps app and then head to Ola or Uber. Google Maps will let you compare the prices of different cab service providers to your desired location. Once you search your destination, tap on directions and then on the top, tap Rides. Once you select the service provider, tap on open app and you will be redirected to it.

5. Customize your vehicle icon the way you want, for example for an SUV (only for iOS)

This is cool feature to replace the classic blue navigation arrow with a car with a sedan, a pickup truck, or an SUV on your iPhone or iPad while using Google Maps. In order to do this, simply tap on the arrow while in driving navigation mode. This will pop out a tab at the bottom with different vehicles to choose from.

6. Message businesses (for both Android and iOS)

This feature comes in handy if you want to ask about a specific thing from an establishment that you want to travel to, like placing an order for a cake at a bakery or inquire about your shoe size at a store. You can find the Messages option in the side menu.

7. See indoor maps of buildings (for both Android and iOS)

Using Google Maps, you can see what some places -- such as stores, airports, or hotels -- look like on the inside before you visit. Once you search that place, at the bottom, tap the place name or address. Scroll until you see photos and tap on a 360 photo which will have the Street View symbol.

8. Get directions to your place without unlocking your phone (only for iOS)

A nifty feature for iPhone and iPad users, this allows the Google Maps users to use the app without unlocking their iPhone. The widget screen on the iPhone can be used without unlocking the phone and allows users to access the directions without opening the app.

9. Set reminders (only for iOS)

For those who are always getting late for their meetings, they can make use of this feature to plan their next trip better. Search for the destination and tap on directions and also choose your mode of transportation. After this on the top right, tap More and select "Set a reminder to leave".

10. See real-time train and bus departures (for both Android and iOS)

Google Maps also allows users to see real-time departures while others show a schedule of departures. For this, type the destination and tap Directions. Then on the top of the screen tap transit.

11. Ask questions about a place or landmark (only Android)

In Google Maps, you can ask and answer questions about the places and business you see. Business owners and others can respond to these questions directly. For this, search for the place you want to ask a question about. At the bottom, tap the name of the place. Before asking your question see if someone already asked your question, under "Questions & answers." For this tap See all questions.

12. Use Google Maps in different languages (only Android)

Did you know that when you travel, Google Maps can change the voice and language of the spoken directions? For this, you will have to tap on Menu then settings. Head to Navigation settings and then Voice. From here, choose a voice and language.

13. Add, remove and share photos and videos (for both Android and iOS)

This feature allows Google Maps users to see how the place they want to travel to looks like. All the photos or videos you add can be removed anytime you want. For this, search for the place, scroll to the bottom then tap the place's name or address to see more info. From here tap on Add photos.

14. Add a missing place to the maps (for both Android and iOS)

Lastly, if come across a situation when you cannot locate a place on Google Maps, you can publicly add places, like a business or landmark, to the map. For this, tap on the menu icon on your Android phone and select 'Add a missing place.' Choose an option, then follow the instructions on screen. For iOS users, search the address and then at the bottom tap the address and tap on 'Add a missing place.'

15. Navigation Functions (Heading)

It demonstrates computing the heading between two coordinates using the Geometry library. Drag the markers on the map to see the origin, destination and heading change accordingly.

Thank you so much Guys.

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Kranti Gaurav

XLRI Jamshedpur