Google Maps: Features And Tricks You Might Not Know

Investigate these Google Guides tips before arranging your next trip (inside 100 Km). Google Maps is one of the most popular applications for American firms. Available on Android, iOS platforms, PC or Mac via an internet browser, the mapping service is full of features that improve the user experience. Here are a few:

Follow Your Way In Augmented Reality With Live View

Live View is an augmented reality feature that superimposes route directions in the real environment. It uses the phone’s camera to scan the buildings around you and embed huge directional arrows into the scenery to guide you better. Here’s how to use it.

1. In Google Guides, enter your objective and tap Directions.
2. Select the Walk icon above the map.
3. Below the map, tap Live View. It is situated close to the Start button.
4. Point the camera at buildings or signs on the street (you’ll need to grant the app access to your camera). When you start walking towards your destination, large arrows and the street name appear on your screen to guide you.

Use Google Maps In Incognito Mode

This feature for Android and iPhone users allows using Google Maps in incognito mode. This is equivalent to hiding its geographical position from other Maps users and the places you have searched for. In Google Maps, tap your profile icon in the upper right corner and select Enable incognito mode. To disable the setting, repeat these steps and select Turn off incognito mode.

Save An Offline Map

Google Maps could save offline maps for quite some time now. For example, you can consult your position via GPS when you are abroad without access to mobile data. Of course, this also works in France when the internet connection is limited. More generally, the display is faster when a map is saved offline, and you will consume less of your data package.

1. Open the Google Maps app
2. Click on the “menu” tab at the top left
3. offline maps
4. Select your plan

Plan Your Route, Even With Stages

If you plan a long journey, Google Maps allows you to add stops, such as stopping at a restaurant at noon or going to a tourist spot. Once you have added your destination, click on the three menu points (top right) to access the different options, then “Add a stage”. Route options are also offered to avoid highways, tolls and even ferries.

Find Parking More Easily

You may not have noticed it, but when you enter a route, a “P” appears next to the distance to be covered. The latter is circled in red when parking is limited in the destination area. In this case, here is a little trick to find a car park: once you have launched the navigation, click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to open the navigation menu, then “Search on the route” and enter ” Parking” in the search box on the trip. All available car parks in the area you are looking at will then be displayed on the screen.

Check A Place Before You Go

Pictures can be deluding, so before booking a lodging that looks pleasant, check Google Guides first. In the Google Guides application, find where you need to remain, similar to lodging. You will notice a menu in the lower-left corner with photos and information about the place. You can even call or make a reservation.

Also Read: How To Create Google Maps Itineraries