Remember the days of folding and unfolding paper maps, squinting at street signs, looking for a telephone to ask for assistance, and asking strangers for directions about the nearest public transport? Those frustrating moments are largely behind us, thanks to the digital marvel that is Google Maps. This app has become our trusted guide, as it leads us through bustling city streets and winding country roads with ease.
But here’s the thing—most of us are barely scratching the surface of what Google Maps can do. Sure, we’ve all used it to find the quickest route to work, locate that new trendy restaurant, or find the nearest coffee shop. But did you know it can measure property sizes, help you find your parked car, or even help you uncover hidden hiking trails?
Google Maps is like an iceberg, and what you see on the surface is just a fraction of its true capabilities. So, buckle up, as we discover this app’s not-so-common features that’ll change how you travel the world.
Measure Distances
Have you ever wondered about the direct distance between two points, regardless of roads or walking paths? Google Maps has a little-known feature that allows you to do just that. This tool is particularly useful for hikers, property developers, or anyone curious about straight-line distances.
To access this feature, open Google Maps on your desktop browser. Right-click on your starting point and select “Measure distance.” Then, click on your endpoint. Google Maps will draw a straight line between these points and display the distance. But it doesn’t stop there—you can add multiple points to measure complex shapes or areas. This feature is invaluable for estimating hiking distances, calculating property sizes, or even planning drone flights.
Do One-Handed Zoom
Sometimes, we often find ourselves multitasking, perhaps trying to move around while carrying groceries or holding onto a bus handle. Google Maps has a clever solution for these one-handed situations that many users overlook.
Instead of the traditional two-finger pinch to zoom, try this: double-tap on the screen, but don’t lift your finger on the second tap. Instead, slide your finger up or down. Sliding up zooms in, while sliding down zooms out. This ingenious feature allows for smooth, precise zooming with just one hand, making it easier to navigate in challenging situations. It’s a small trick that can make a big difference in your day-to-day map usage.
Discover Hidden Trails and Bike Paths
For cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, Google Maps hides a feature that can open up a world of new routes and adventures. The biking layer, often overlooked, reveals a network of trails and paths that might not be visible in the standard view.
To activate this layer on desktop, look for the “Layers” option in the bottom left corner and select “Biking.” The map then displays colour-coded routes that indicate bike lanes, bicycle-friendly roads, and even unpaved trails. This feature is a game-changer for planning cycling routes, finding new hiking paths, or discovering scenic shortcuts. It’s not just for bikes though, as runners and walkers can also benefit from this hidden network of trails.
Create Personal Landmarks
We all have those special places that hold meaning for us—a favourite picnic spot, a secret fishing hole, or maybe just a convenient parking area. Google Maps allows you to mark these personal locations, which makes them easy to find in the future.
To add a personal landmark, open the Google Maps app on your mobile device. Press and hold on the desired location to drop a pin. Then, tap on the dropped pin to bring up the location card, and select “Add label.” You can name this spot anything you like. These custom labels will now appear in your searches and on your map. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make the app work for your individual needs.
Never Lose Your Car Again
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there—coming from a shopping mall or event venue only to realise we can’t remember where we parked. Google Maps has a solution for this common predicament, though many users aren’t aware of it.
When you park your car, open the Google Maps app and tap on the blue dot that represents your current location. From the menu that appears, select “Save parking.” You can even add notes (like parking level or nearby landmarks) and set a parking metre timer if needed. When it’s time to return to your vehicle, simply search for “parking” in the app. You’ll see your saved location, complete with walking directions to get you back to your car stress-free.
Report Incidents
Google Maps relies on real-time data to provide accurate navigation, and you can play a part in this system. You not only help other drivers but also contribute to more efficient route planning for everyone by reporting road incidents you come across.
While using navigation mode in the app, look for the speech bubble icon with a plus sign. Tap this, and you’ll see options to report various incidents such as crashes, slowdowns, or speed traps (options may vary by country). These reports, when verified by multiple users, appear as alerts on the map and help others avoid delays or dangerous situations. It’s a simple way to be a good samaritan on the road and improve the mapping experience for the entire community.
Answer Questions About Places
Google Maps can be a vast repository of information about locations around the world, and you can contribute to this knowledge base and help others by becoming a Local Guide.
In the mobile app, tap on the “Contribute” tab. Here, you’ll find opportunities to answer questions about places you’ve visited recently. These might include queries about wheelchair accessibility, outdoor seating availability, or specific amenities. You’re helping to create a more comprehensive and accurate map for everyone by sharing your knowledge. Plus, as you contribute more, you can earn points and unlock perks in the Local Guides program.
From never losing your car in a sprawling parking lot again to knowing about scenic bike routes you never knew existed, these tricks turn Google Maps from a simple navigation app into your personal urban Swiss Army knife, so to speak.
Furthermore, Google is constantly rolling out updates, tweaking features, and responding to user feedback. Who knows what nifty tricks they’ll come up with next? The key is to stay curious, keep exploring, and don’t be afraid to poke around in those menus you usually ignore.