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Google Maps is probably the most used navigation application in the world. Since its launch in 2005 until today, the modifications introduced have increasingly polished a very useful and high-precision tool. It is true that there is still a lot of room for improvement, but it is also true that it allows its users to do many things. The proof, in these 11 Google Maps tricks that we show you here.
Perhaps you are thinking that you already know everything about this application, but surely by reviewing our list you will find some new utility that you were unaware of. Not surprisingly, Google brings out new features year after year, in order to improve the user experience and the quality of the tool.
Voice commands
Google voice commands are also going to be very useful in Google Maps. The clearest example is when we use the application as a GPS, to give directions to the map without having to take our hands off the wheel. It's enough to say «OK Google» to start the Maps voice feature instead of Google Assistant.
Thus, while we drive, we can ask the assistant where the nearest gas station or public parking is, the time or distance remaining until we reach our destination and other information without distracting ourselves from driving. Very practical.
Share location from mobile
There are two ways to share location on Google Maps: a specific point on the map or our location in real time. The first is very simple, just click on the specific location (marked or not) on the map, which will bring up a menu with the option "Share". Then, you just have to choose the contact.
To share our location in real time, what you have to do is click on the blue point of Google Maps, the one that indicates our current position. On the blue screen that opens below, we choose the option "Share location", in which we will be able to select how long we want to share the location. Finally, you just have to choose the contact to whom you want to send the link.
Download offline maps
This is one of the most popular Google Maps utilities and tricks. It is used by many people who travel abroad and do not have a data rate at their destination to consult maps. The solution: download the map and have it offline, available at any time on the mobile phone. We can do it as follows:
- To start you have to click on our avatar, at the top right of the screen.
- Within the menu that opens, we select "Offline Maps", where the downloaded maps are saved.
- To make a new one, you have to choose the option "Select your own map" and, after configuring it, click on the button "Download".
Write reviews on Google Maps
A functionality that will be liked by fans of collaborative initiatives. Many times, in Google Maps, user opinions and evaluations appear in the different marked places: shops, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels... We can also participate through a specific program called Local Guides.
To write a review we have to click on the place or establishment in question. In the tab that opens we will see the reviews from other users plus a button to click to write our review.
In addition to that, there is also a way to enrich and complete Google maps with our own contributions. If we see that something is missing, we can add it like this:
- Click on the location where what we want to add is located.
- In the menu on the right, we choose the option "Add a missing site."
- Then we fill in all the data and information and confirm by pressing "To accept".
traffic status
Here is one of the Google Maps tricks that will be most useful for us when we travel, especially by car. Through this functionality we will be able to view traffic status in our city or on the chosen route before embarking on the trip. This can save us traffic jams and discomfort. To see the traffic status from the PC or from the mobile phone, you have to do this:
- We click on the three bars icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
- In the menu, we select «Relief, Traffic and more».
- When the map opens, we go to the satellite view option, where you can select various layers. One of them is the "Traffic".
To better interpret the results, Google Maps applies a simple color code: green for flowing traffic and red for slow traffic. It also allows us to obtain traffic data in real time or estimated data according to the day of the week and time.
Related to this, we have the option to detect speed cameras on our route. When zooming in on the map, these will appear classified by means of a color code.
Travel history
All the trips and routes that we create in Google Maps are recorded in the application in a file that is only visible to the user himself*.
To access this timeline o travel history and places visited, all you have to do is click on the icon of the three bars in the upper left corner of the screen and select the option "Your chronology". By doing this, a new window will open where all the information will be loaded.
(*) For this to work, it will be necessary to have the Location History activated.
Personal map
If we are planning a trip or if we want to remember a specific route between two points... There are many assumptions and reasons to create a personalized map to share or use them at another time. This is how we can create one:
- We go to the icon of the three bars, located in the upper left corner of the screen.
- There we select «Your Sites».
- Among the following options that appear, click on «Maps».
- Below is a link to "Create Map".
Now all that remains is to select a geographical area, add markers, measure distances and everything we want to create a complete informative map according to our own tastes and preferences.
fastest route
Many people use Google Maps to find the fastest route between two points. To do so, it is necessary to write the place of origin and destination and click on the option "How to get". The results will show us the route and its duration according to the chosen means of transport: car, public transport, bicycle or even on foot. In the case of choosing public transport, the schedules will also be shown.
Similarly, it is also possible add stops on any route we have designed. This allows us to make stops at the places we want to visit (monuments, recommended restaurants, etc.), something very interesting on a road trip. To add stops on the map, go to the icon of the three dots next to the origin location. In the pop-up menu that opens we choose "Add stop", where we introduce the new address.
Street View from mobile
Almost everyone knows how to use this utility from the PC version of Google Maps. But how can you access Street View from your mobile? This is how you do it:
- On the map, you have to hold your finger on the location the one we want you want.
- After a few seconds, a marker will appear on the screen with a fact sheet about the location with a picture of the place.
- On the tab, click on the option Street view.
Location of the parked car
It has happened to us many times: we park the car and when we go to look for it we don't remember where we left it. Google Maps can help us, since one of its most practical uses is to save the exact point where we have parked a vehicle. Simply press the blue button of our current location and, in the options that are displayed, we choose the one of "Save parked car location."
To be more precise, we can also add the exact number of the parking space. Another interesting option is to share this location so that another person can know where the car is.
3D view
As you probably already know, Google Maps offers us two basic types of visualization: the map and the satellite image. However, there is a third option: the 3D mode, with which to achieve a more immersive and realistic view. This is how it is activated:
- First you have to go to a map of a city* in Google Maps with the satellite view.
- In the column on the right side of the map, we select the 3D option.
- Next you have to hold down the "Control" button at the same time that we drag the mouse by the map. In this way you can change the angle of view and tilt.
As well from the screen of our mobile phone we will be able to access the 3D view of Google Maps. In this case, what you have to do is press with two fingers separated on the screen and move them up. Thus, the map will tilt offering the 3D effect.
(*) Not all cities are available in this mode, although the most important ones are,