Unveiling the Secrets of Google Maps

If you are a tech-savvy individual, you must have used Google Maps at least once in your life. It is an incredible tool that has revolutionized the way we look at maps and navigate our way in new cities. Google Maps is not only a time-saver but also a lifesaver as it gets us to our destination even when we are in unfamiliar territory. But did you know that there are many secrets of Google Maps that you might be unaware of?

Here we will discuss some of the most exciting secrets that will help improve your experience with Google Maps.

Custom Maps

Creating your own personalized map is a hidden feature of Google Maps. With this feature, you can create a map of anything you like and make notes on that map for future reference. For instance, you can create a map of your hometown and mark all the important places on it such as schools, hospitals, grocery stores, etc. You can even share the map with friends and family.

To create a custom map, click on the three-dot icon and select “Your places”. From there, select “Maps” and click on “Create map”. The map will be private by default, but you can choose to share it.

Offline Maps

Another handy feature of Google Maps is offline maps. While Google Maps does require an internet connection to function in real-time, you can cache maps for offline access. This is especially useful when you are traveling to a place with low connectivity or no connectivity at all. To save an offline map, select the area you want to save, tap on the three-dot icon and select “Download offline map”.

Street View

Street View is one of the latest and most interesting updates to Google Maps. It provides a 360-degree view of a location from the ground level, making it easier for you to find a place when you arrive at your destination. You can use it to check out the neighborhood, find a specific address or landmark, or even see what a business looks like from the street.

To access Street View, just zoom in on the map until the little yellow person appears on the lower-right hand corner of your screen. Drag and drop the person onto the location you want to view and the Street View image will appear.

Real-Time Traffic

Google Maps not only helps you find a location but also helps you navigate through traffic. With real-time traffic updates, Google Maps can estimate the time it will take to get from one point to another. It also provides alternative routes to help you avoid traffic congestion.

To access real-time traffic updates, simply tap on the traffic button on the upper-right corner of your screen. The traffic button shows congestion in different colors, with red indicating heavy traffic and green indicating clear roads.

Measure the Distance

Have you ever wondered how far one location is from another? With Google Maps, you can quickly measure the distance between two points. This is helpful if you are planning a road trip or if you want to know how far a location is from your current position.

To measure the distance, simply right-click on the map and select “Measure distance”. Click on your starting point and then click on your destination. Google Maps will calculate the distance between the two points and display it for you.

Google Maps for Business

Did you know that Google Maps is not just for personal use, but also for businesses? Google Maps provides a platform for business owners to create a business listing that will appear on Google Search and Google Maps. This is useful for businesses that want to share their location and contact information with potential customers.

To add your business to Google Maps, you need to create a Google My Business account. This account will give you access to various features such as adding photos, responding to reviews, and updating contact information.

Conclusion

Google Maps is a versatile and feature-rich application that has made traveling easier for millions of people worldwide. With its real-time traffic updates, custom maps, and offline maps, Google Maps has become an indispensable tool for travelers. When you combine this with the fact that it is an excellent tool for businesses as well, it is clear why Google Maps should be among the top applications that you use.

As you embark on your next journey, be sure to remember some of these Google Maps hidden features to enhance your experience.