{"id":80706,"date":"2021-09-27T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-27T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/?p=80706"},"modified":"2024-10-24T01:15:39","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T05:15:39","slug":"9-hidden-features-in-google-maps-you-should-check-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/9-hidden-features-in-google-maps-you-should-check-out\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Hidden Features in Google Maps You Should Check Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Google Maps has cornered the online maps market for quite some time now. Despite the alternatives to Google Maps<\/a>, it\u2019s still the most popular mapping service, especially with Android users. However, even if you\u2019ve been using it for years, you might not know about all the hidden features Google Maps has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtually any mapping service can give you turn-by-turn directions or help you navigate to your destination. However, Google Maps has extra functionality that makes it even more helpful than you thought. We\u2019ll take a look at several Google Maps hidden features, so you can take advantage of the ones that are useful to you.<\/p>\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

1. Dude, Where\u2019s My Car?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s happened to everyone. You leave a concert or Costco or anywhere with a big parking lot, and you can\u2019t remember where you parked. Never feel that frustration again by using Google Maps\u2019 hidden \u201csave parking\u201d feature.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Dude,<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve parked, tap on the blue location dot in the Google Maps app on your phone. Then select Save parking<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Dude,<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

From there, you have the option to select the More info<\/strong> button, and then you can add more information like a note about where you parked or how much time you have left before you need to move your car. You can also add any photos you think might be helpful, like a photo of the parking lot section sign or parking garage level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it\u2019s time to leave, simply open Google Maps, and you\u2019ll see a pin labeled \u201cYou parked here.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Dude,<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you need directions to where you parked your car, tap the parking pin and select the Directions<\/strong> button. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Travel Back in Time <\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Travel<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Take a trip back in time with this hidden feature inside Google Maps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. While using Google Maps on a computer, drag the pegman onto the map.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Select the Time<\/strong> icon.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Travel<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Use the slider at the bottom to go back and forth in time.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"Travel<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Note:<\/strong> Even if a place has Street View, historic images might not be available. Historic photos may go back as far as 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3. Which Direction Am I Facing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      This feature is handy in cities with subways. When you emerge from a subway station onto street level, your sense of direction can get muddled. It can be hard to know which way is which. Enter Google Maps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The blue beam icon emanating from your blue location dot shows you which direction you\u2019re facing. <\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"Which<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      To access the compass hidden feature in Google Maps, tap the My Location button. <\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"Which<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Now you should see the compass icon near the top-right corner of the map. <\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"Which<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Tap the compass, and it will display which way is north.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"Which<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Now you can exit the subway and confidently walk in the right direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      4. Don\u2019t Miss the Last Train<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Speaking of subways and trains, if you live in a city with public transportation, this hidden feature of Google Maps can help you avoid missing the last train home. <\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"Don\u2019t<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      If you\u2019re traveling on a train line that doesn\u2019t run 24\/7, you can use Google Maps to ensure you don\u2019t miss the last train. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. In the Google Maps app, search for your destination and select the Directions<\/strong> button.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Select the icon for public transportation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
        \n
        \"Don\u2019t<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Select the Depart At <\/strong>dropdown.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
          \n
          \"Don\u2019t<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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          1. Select the Last<\/strong> tab and then the Set <\/strong>button.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
            \n
            \"Don\u2019t<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            Now your departure time will correspond with the last available train that will get you to your destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            5. Special Navigation for Pedestrians<\/h2>\n\n\n
            \n
            \"Special<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            In 2019, Google Maps introduced walking directions<\/a> with augmented reality. You can hold your phone up and see directions superimposed on top of what you can see via your phone\u2019s camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. In the Google Maps app, search for a location to walk to.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Select the Directions <\/strong>button.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Select the Walking <\/strong>icon.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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              \"Special<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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              1. Select Live View<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                \n
                \"Special<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                With Live View activated, you\u2019ll see direction arrows on top of your surroundings!<\/p>\n\n\n

                \n
                \"Special<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                You\u2019ll never turn the wrong way again with augmented reality walking directions from Google Maps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                6. Use Incognito Mode<\/h2>\n\n\n
                \n
                \"Use<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                We\u2019re not going to speculate about why you want to cover your tracks, but if you do, here\u2019s how. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                To turn on Incognito mode in Google Maps on a smartphone or tablet, tap your profile picture on the top right and select Turn on Incognito mode<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

                \n
                \"Use<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                Follow the same steps to turn Incognito mode off again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                7. OK, Google, Use Voice Commands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Another Google Maps hidden feature is the ability to use voice commands during navigation. If you have Google <\/a>Assistant-enabled on your Android phone, you can verbally ask Google all kinds of things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Launch Google Assistant while you\u2019re navigating using Google Maps by saying, \u201cOk, Google.\u201d Then you can say things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n