If you have a smartphone, chances are you have used Google Maps at least once in your life. It’s a lifesaver when it comes to getting around, finding new places to eat, or exploring a new city. But did you know that there are hidden features in Google Maps that can take your experience to the next level?
Let’s face it, we all have our go-to features on Google Maps – directions, nearby restaurants, and maybe even public transportation. But there’s so much more that this app can do for you. Here are some of our favorite hidden features that you may not have known existed.
1. Discover the Secret Costumes of Google Maps’ Pegman
Have you ever used Google Street View to explore a new city or check out a potential vacation spot? If so, then you’ve probably seen Pegman, the little yellow figure that you drag onto the map to activate the feature. But did you know that Pegman is more than just a generic character? In fact, he has a whole wardrobe of outfits that he wears in different places and on special occasions.
On desktop, you’ll notice that Pegman looks a bit different than on mobile. He’s not just a plain yellow figure, but rather he’s dressed up in different costumes depending on where you’re looking. For example, if you drag Pegman over to Loch Ness in Scotland, he’ll transform into a green monster wearing a tartan cap. And if you take him to Area 51 in Nevada, he’ll come with his very own UFO.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Pegman also changes his outfit to celebrate special occasions. We don’t know yet what his outfit will be, but it’s sure to be a fun surprise.
So the next time you use Google Street View, take a closer look at Pegman. Who knows where he’ll be and what he’ll be wearing? It’s just one more way that Google adds a touch of fun and whimsy to our daily lives.
2. Explore the Past with Google Maps’ Time Travel Feature on Desktop and Mobile
Have you ever wanted to see what your street looked like 5 years ago? Or maybe you’re curious about how your favorite vacation spot has changed over the years? Well, Google Maps has a feature that allows you to do just that. It’s called Street View Time Travel, and it lets you go back in time to see how places looked in the past.
This feature has been available on desktop since 2014, but now it’s finally rolling out to mobile devices. On desktop, all you need to do is open up Street View and look for the clock surrounded by arrows running counter-clockwise in the top left corner. If you see it, then you have access to the time travel feature. Simply click on it, and a pop-up menu with a drag bar will let you scroll through all the previous Street View images that Google has collected over the years.
On mobile, it’s just as easy. Load up Street View and tap on the photo. A menu at the bottom will have the option to “See More Dates,” which allows you to scroll back through whatever historical versions of Street View are available.
This feature is not only a fun way to see how things have changed over time, but it can also be useful for businesses or real estate agents who want to see how a property has changed over the years. It’s just one more way that Google Maps is making our lives easier and more interesting.
So the next time you’re using Google Maps, take a moment to check out the Street View Time Travel feature. You never know what kind of surprises you might find.
3. Never Lose Your Car Again with Google Maps’ Parking Location Feature
Have you ever spent an eternity wandering around a parking lot trying to find your car? It can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience. But fear not, because Google Maps has a solution to help you keep track of your vehicle’s location.
One of the easiest ways to mark your car’s location on Google Maps is through the manual option. Before you leave your car, open up Google Maps and press and hold on the blue location dot. The Your Location menu will pop up, and you can then select “Save Parking.” Google Maps will drop a yellow pin at your current location, which will be saved for 24 hours. This is an easy and convenient way to remember where you parked your car, as long as you remember to do it before leaving.
But wait, there’s more! Android users have access to some extra features, including the ability to add notes and pictures, and to specify when your parking expires. This last option is particularly helpful, as it adds a permanent countdown notification on your phone, reminding you of when you need to move your car.
So, how do you find your car again? Android users can simply hit the search bar and select the “Parking Location” option. For iPhone users, tap the blue “Navigate” button on the right-hand side of the screen, and then select “Saved Parking,” which will be located about a third of the way down.
In conclusion, Google Maps has made it easier than ever to keep track of your car’s location. No more wandering aimlessly around a parking lot, or forgetting where you parked. With just a few simple taps on your phone, you can save your parking location and find your car again with ease. So next time you’re out and about, remember to use this handy feature and make your life a little bit easier.
4. Create Your Own Custom Maps with Google Maps
Are you someone who loves exploring new places? Do you often find yourself getting lost in the sea of information that is Google Maps? Well, fear not, because there’s a hidden feature that could make your life a whole lot easier: creating your own custom maps.
Google Maps is already packed with information, but when you’re in a big city, it can be overwhelming. You might be looking for a specific restaurant, museum, or shop, and it can be difficult to filter out all the other information that’s displayed on the screen. This is where custom maps come in.
By creating your own maps, you can add markers for all the important places you want to hit up in the future. It’s a great way to stay organized and make sure you don’t miss anything on your next adventure.
To get started, open up Google Maps on desktop and click the three-lined menu to the left of the search bar. From there, hit Your Places > Maps > Create Map. The resulting screen will let you add markers, directions, lines, and routes, as well as measurable distances. Once created and saved, these maps can be layered into the standard Google Maps interface across your devices from the same Maps screen as before.
It may seem a bit confusing at first, but trust us, it’s worth it. You’ll be able to focus on all the important stuff without any of the usual Google Maps fluff. And the best part? You can share your custom maps with friends and family, making it easier for them to follow in your footsteps.
So, the next time you’re planning a trip, take some time to create a custom map. You’ll be able to see all the places you want to visit in one convenient location, and you won’t have to worry about missing anything. Happy exploring!
5. How to Use Google Maps to Find Your Last Train Home
Are you tired of stressing out over catching the last train or bus home? Well, worry no more! Google Maps can help you figure out the last possible time you can leave to make it back home, without getting stranded.
It’s no secret that Google Maps has a wealth of public transit information, but did you know it can do more than just tell you the next train or bus schedule? By using the Depart at XX:XX option, you can figure out the last possible departure time to make it back home.
Here’s how to do it: start by selecting your starting point and destination, just like you would for any other directions search. Then, choose the public transportation option at the top of the screen. You’ll see a Depart at XX:XX option. Tap it and select the Last option, followed by Set.
Once you’ve set the Last option, Google Maps will generate a list of transportation options for you, including the exact time you need to leave to make it back home on time. This can be a real lifesaver if you’re in an unfamiliar city, or if you simply want to avoid the stress of missing your ride home.
6. How to Use Google Maps with One Hand While Driving
Google Maps is an incredibly helpful app for getting around town, but did you know that you can control it with just one hand? This feature can be especially useful when you’re driving and need to keep your other hand on the steering wheel. Here are some handy tips to help you navigate the Google Maps mobile app with just one hand.
First, let’s talk about zooming in and out. To zoom in, simply double-tap and hold your finger against the screen. From there, swipe up and down without letting go to pull the map in and out. This allows you to quickly and easily zoom in on specific areas, without having to use both hands.
Next, changing the orientation of the map can be done with just two fingers. Press your finger and thumb onto the phone’s screen, and spin them around in a circular motion to change the orientation of the map. This allows you to quickly switch from a north-facing view to a south-facing view, or any other direction you may need.
Finally, changing the perspective of the map is also easy with just one hand. Simply swipe two fingers together on the screen to change the perspective. Swiping up offers a bird’s eye view, while swiping down returns you to the classic top-down view.
With these simple one-handed controls, you can easily navigate Google Maps while driving, walking, or even just holding something in your other hand. So next time you’re on the go, give these tips a try and see how much easier it is to use Google Maps with just one hand.
7. Measure distance manually with Google Maps on desktop and mobile
Do you love hiking or cycling? Or do you just want to know the distance between two points on the map? Google Maps has got you covered! It offers a convenient and simple way to measure distance manually on both desktop and mobile devices.
Let’s start with the desktop version. Simply right-click on the starting point and choose the “Measure distance” option. This will set your starting point, and every click afterwards will draw a straight line between the two points. Google Maps can calculate the distance between individual points, or the entire route as a whole. It’s that easy!
For mobile devices, it’s a little bit different, but just as simple. First, drop a pin by holding your finger on the screen. Then swipe up from the bottom of the screen and select the “Measure distance” option. Now, you can navigate around the map as normal and tap the blue plus (+) button in the bottom right whenever you want to add a new point. Google Maps will show you the total distance between the first and last point once you add points.
This feature can come in handy in a variety of situations. If you’re planning a hiking or cycling trip, you can measure the distance of the trail to ensure it fits your abilities. Or, if you’re driving or walking in a new city, you can measure the distance between two points to get an estimate of the time it will take to get there.
So, next time you need to measure distance, don’t stress! Simply use Google Maps and get the answers you need quickly and easily.
8. How to Use Google Maps Offline and Never Get Lost Again
Are you planning a hiking trip or a road trip to a remote area with no cell signal? Or are you just trying to save data while traveling? Whatever the reason may be, having access to offline maps on Google Maps can be a lifesaver.
The good news is that you can download offline maps on Google Maps so that you can access them even when you don’t have an internet connection. This is a handy feature for anyone traveling to an area with poor network coverage or trying to limit data usage while on the road.
To get started, you should search for the area you want to download on Google Maps and pull up the menu until it covers the screen. Then, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select “Download offline maps.” You can zoom in or out on the map to adjust the size of the download. Once you have selected the desired area, tap “Download,” and Google Maps will automatically save all the routes in the highlighted area on your device.
Google Maps automatically downloads your route when you set off, as long as you have data. It’s worth noting. However, if you prefer to plan ahead, you can manually download maps to ensure you have access to them when you need them most.
Having offline maps at your fingertips is not only useful in remote areas but can also save you money on data charges when traveling. So next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to download your maps ahead of time and enjoy a worry-free journey!
9. Google Maps’ Live View: Simplifying Navigation with Augmented Reality”
Have you ever found yourself lost in an unfamiliar place, struggling to make sense of the map in your hand? Or maybe you’re trying to navigate a new city and don’t want to constantly glance down at your phone for directions? If so, Google Maps’ Live View feature might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Live View is an augmented reality feature within Google Maps that uses your phone’s camera to overlay navigation arrows onto the real world. Essentially, it turns your phone into a real-time guide, pointing you in the right direction as you walk.
To use Live View, you’ll need to be in an area with good Street View coverage. Once you are, simply look for the Live View icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. From there, Google Maps will guide you through the setup process, which involves scanning the area around you to determine your location.
Once you set up, using Live View becomes incredibly easy. Simply hold your phone in front of you, and the navigation arrows will appear on the screen, overlaid onto the real world. As you move, the arrows will update in real time, giving you clear directions and helping you stay on track.
That said, for many people, Live View is a game-changer when it comes to navigating new places. Whether you’re traveling to a new city, exploring a new neighborhood, or just trying to find your way around a busy area, Live View can help you stay on track and get where you need to go. So next time you find yourself lost, don’t panic – just pull up Google Maps and give Live View a try.