Google Maps introduces a few new features frequently. Previously Google Maps allowed you to download offline maps and see public transport information, now the handy Maps app has added a number of features that undoubtedly enhance the whole experience.
In this post, we’ve compiled some of the latest and always-changing helpful tips and tricks for Google Maps that you should use in 2019. Take a look.
1. Use AR Mode for Better Viewing
If you often use Google Maps’ pedestrian directions, you will love the new AR mode. Available (for now) to Local Guides of Level 5 and above, this makes it easy to see directions you need to get.
AR Mode mode combines Visual Positioning Services with machine learning to show your surroundings in real time. So all you have to do is point your camera and start walking.
But before you do that, make sure you have the settings enabled. To do this, go to Settings > Navigation Settings and toggle the AR Walk Navigation switch.
2. Look at Traffic Patterns
Another nifty Google Maps setting is traffic forecasting. This simple feature will show you the peak times and off-peak times of a route so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Look for a place to find the congestion pattern and open the information card at the bottom. You will see a stylish Traffic card with timings.
Cool Tip
3. Explore Things Around You
Until a few years ago, Google Maps was pretty limited with location-related features. Now more of a local guide where you can find and explore places around you. For example, if you want to find good cafes and local attractions, let the Explore tab be your new best friend.
You can also find reviews of a particular place and bookmark it for future reference. To find these places, open Maps and tap the Explore tab.
4. Check Speed Limits
Another new Google Maps feature is Speed Limit, a feature Waze has been offering for a while. Until recently, Google Maps only supported the feature, which was available through third-party apps.
Fortunately, you can now see the maximum speed limit in the lower left corner of your map. You will also receive an audible notification when you approach the speed limit. The only problem is that this feature is only available in a few countries so far – Denmark, UK and USA.
5. Share Location
We all know that real-time location sharing extends phone battery life. In worst case scenarios, it can cause the phone to die prematurely. Fortunately, Maps’ Share Location feature will show you the battery status so you know why the location suddenly stopped updating.
Open the Share Location card to check it out. Below the name you will see the battery icon. And if you’re meeting in a casual place, simply turn on the share your location button.
6. In-App Music Controls
How many times have you closed Google Maps to change the currently playing song? In my case, so many that I lost count. This is scheduled to change with the new Google Maps update. With it, you can skip songs or play/pause currently playing songs directly within the app.
The only problem is that Maps currently only supports three players – Play Music, Spotify and Apple Music. To enable it, swipe open the left menu, open Settings > Navigation Settings and toggle the switch for Show media playback controls.
From now on you will find the music controls at the bottom.
7. Star Your Favorite Place
Did you know that you can add notes of a particular place to your collection? These two smart features allow you to turn this map app into a mini note-taking app.
To save a place to your list collection, search for it in Maps and tap the information card and hit the Save button. Next, tap on New List and add the name of the list.
Add a note after adding it to the list and save it. To view saved places, open the left menu and select Your Places > Saved and select the list you want to view.
8. Save Your Parking Space and Photos
Save Parking is perhaps one of the best features of Google Maps. This simple feature saves a specific parking space until the next time you access it. And the good news is that as soon as you hit the Search box (inside Maps), the parking lot will pop up immediately.
To save a parking spot Tap the Blue dot and press Save your parking.
You can also add a photo to make it easier for you to find the place. To do this, tap on Save parking card at the bottom. Add the photo with the notes (column number, street number) and that’s it.
9. Explore the Blue Dot Menu
Another great feature of the blue dot menu is See Nearby Places. As the name suggests, it allows you to see all the interesting places around your current location. Tap the Blue dot to access it, choose the second option and Voila!
10. Add Home and Work Address
Google Maps also lets you add your home address and office address, making it incredibly easy to see the traffic situation when you want to go out. Similar to Save Your Parking, these addresses always appear at the top of your search results.
To save an address, go to Settings > Add home or work > Set home/work address and search for the location.
For added convenience, choose your mode of transportation, select the dates and days you usually travel, and hit the Finish button.
Now you can say goodbye to the unnecessary task of searching the same addresses over and over.
11. Set Departure or Arrival Time
By now, you should know that Google Maps shows you the commute time based on the current schedule. It also allows you to check the approximate timing of your commute in case you want to plan ahead.
If you remember correctly, this feature was only available in the desktop version of Google Maps.
Search for a location to access it and then tap the three-dot menu. Choose the third option, add the time according to your need and you will see the approximate arrival time.
12. Follow Businesses
Yes, just like Instagram Likes, but on a slightly different level. The Follow button in Google Maps is available for most businesses and cafes. So, if you want to get updates from your favorite coffee spot, search for it on maps, open the info tab and hit the Follow button.
After that, Google Maps will notify you of any information regarding the For You section.
13. Choose Your Preference
Speaking of the For You section, did you know that you can customize it to your preference? So, if you want to see fewer Breakfast places and more Cuban restaurants, the Preference section makes it all possible.
Go to Settings > Explore places > Food & drink preferences and add to Favorite Places. At the same time, remove some places you don’t like from the Not Interested tab.
Suggestions do not appear immediately and may take some time.
13. Switch to Night Mode While Driving
Normally, Google Maps switches to dark mode after sunset. Dark mode is both pleasing to the eye and helps to save battery. But did you know that you can also switch to this fashion during the day?
This nifty setting is hidden under Navigation Settings. All you have to do is open it, scroll down and select Night under Color scheme.
After doing this, Maps will switch to Dark Mode every time you press the Start button for directions. It’s clean, isn’t it?
Happy Exploring!
Now all you have to do is put on your explorer hat and explore the places in and around your favorite haunts.
Did we miss adding your favorite settings? If your answer is yes, let us know in the comments section.
Next up: Speaking of maps and driving, check out the post for some incredible gadgets that will undoubtedly add to your driving experience.
