Map applications are facilitating and handy for a lot of people around the world. You no longer need to ask for directions from people when you are going somewhere you haven’t been before. Simply, use the Google Maps application to navigate to your destination without trouble.
Google Maps is not a demanding application as it is free to use and available on both Android and Apple platforms. The only cost you have to pay to use this application is the Cox WiFi price or that of your ISP when you are using a desktop. For mobiles, you need cellular data or some other way of access to the internet. However, there are many uses of Google Maps that most users are unaware of. Dig into this blog to see such features.
Offline Maps
You can check out different locations on Google Maps when you have access to the internet. But is there a way to navigate even when you lose connectivity? Yes, there is and it is easier than you think. Google Maps has the option of downloading offline maps.
All you have to do is to click on your avatar from the search bar on Google Maps. Further, select the option of offline maps from the menu. You will see the options of recommended maps and select your maps. Choose the select your map option and select the area of your choice to create a map. It is that simple.
Share Your Location
The location-sharing option can give you peace of mind when your family is traveling alone at night. Google Maps has the option of sharing your location. Simply click on your profile icon next to the mic on the search bar. A menu will appear on your screen. Select the location sharing option and choose if you want to set location sharing for a set duration or until you turn it off. Afterward, you have to choose the method of location sharing like Messenger, SMS, or some other option.
Add Music Playing Options
If you like listening to music while traveling, you can easily do so straight from the Google Maps application. Music streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music give you control of music options straight from the Google Maps app. So, you do not have to switch applications repeatedly to forward, play, or pause a track.
To enable the option, you have to again click on your profile and select the setting options from the menu. Further, click on the navigation settings option. Then, choose the Assistant default media provider to set your playback application. Often, Spotify and Apple Music are enabled by default. An easy way to test this is to play a song on Spotify and then open the Google Maps app. If the option is enabled, you will see the play, rewind, and forward options at the bottom of the screen.
Change the Arrow Icon
Following the same arrow icon, every time you use Google maps can be quite boring. A good thing is that you can change it. To change the navigation arrow, simply press the arrow icon for a few seconds and other navigation icons will appear on your screen. You can select from a car, an SUV, or a truck.
One Handed Tap Zoom
When you are using Google Maps, the common method of zooming in on a location is to pinch and expand. But there’s another method as well. You can simply double tap on the location you want to zoom in on. If the zoom is still not enough on the first try, you can double tap again. You can keep on zooming to your preferred level by double tapping on your screen.
Calculate Estimated Travel Time
One of the most useful features of Google Maps is the estimated time to a location. You can check the traveling time before you leave the house and set the traveling plan accordingly. The application gives you the estimated time based on the distance, your usual driving speed, and delays because of traffic. So, the estimate is quite dependable.
Navigate Quick Stops Along the Way
When you are traveling to a destination, you may want to take quick stops at ATMs, gas stations, or restaurants. To do that, you do not necessarily have to detour from your original route. When you are using Google Maps for a location, simply use the search option to find your desired quick stop. In this way, you can save both time and fuel while traveling.
These are seven easy tips that can help you smartly navigate with Google Maps application.