Google Maps: 10 Tricks You May Not Have Known About

Google Maps has revolutionized the way we navigate our world, and has become the go-to place for directions and location-based information. It comes equipped with a plethora of features and capabilities that have made it the undisputed leader in the navigation services industry. Its extensive range of tools and features includes many hidden gems that are not obvious to the average user. In this article, we will reveal ten Google Maps tricks that you may not be aware of.

1. Multi-stop routes

Sometimes life is not as straightforward as going from point A to point B. There are often stops in between that require directions as well. Instead of having to redo directions for each stop, you can plan for multi-stop routes in Google Maps. Simply click on the plus sign below the directions to add another stop.

2. Look at upcoming events

If you are interested in finding local events, you can search for them on Google Maps. Many venues, such as concert halls, movie theaters, and sports stadiums, host events that can be searched via Google Maps. Just search for a venue, and a list of upcoming events will appear, making it easier than searching elsewhere.

3. Save maps for offline use on mobile

One of the most popular Google Maps tricks is the ability to save maps for offline use. To do this, search for the directions you need and when they appear, enter “Okay Maps” into the search bar. This will save the maps to your cache, allowing you to access them without an internet connection.

4. Search for flights on long trips

If you are going on vacation, you can use Google Maps to search for flights. Just search for directions from your current location to your destination, and a link will appear that will allow you to search for flights to your destination.

5. Make your mark on Maps

You can contribute to Google Maps by becoming part of the Google Map Maker community. Here, you can make corrections to addresses, add more places on Google Maps, and help improve the platform for everyone.

6. Use the smart search

The intelligent search feature on Google Maps allows you to search for general things like family fun, movie theaters, restaurants, and plenty of others. Google Maps will then show you everything in your area that meets your search criteria.

7. See everything in an area that Google Maps knows about

If the intelligent search isn’t good enough, you can type an asterisk (*) in the search bar. This will show you everything that Google Maps knows about in the area you are searching, making it easier to find what you need.

8. Alter your course

Google Maps offers multiple routes to get from one place to another. You can change your route to avoid high traffic areas, construction areas, or routes you would rather not travel. Simply hover your mouse over the blue line in the route you wish to change and click and drag the white dot to the road you would rather travel.

9. Make Google+ useful

Google+ may not be as popular as other social media platforms, but it can be useful when searching for places. You can select to see what people in your Google+ circles think of places nearby to get recommendations from people you know.

10. Use Waze

Google bought Waze last year and has started integrating it into Google Maps. While they are not done yet, you can still check out Waze for its unique social-based features and see what the future of Google Maps may look like.

In conclusion, Google Maps is a versatile and dynamic platform with a range of features that cater to a wide range of needs. With these ten tricks, you can navigate your world more efficiently and discover new places and experiences. Google Maps is a leader in the navigation services industry, and with its continuous updates and additions, it is sure to remain so for years to come.