With over one billion users who turn to Google navigation for guidance, Google Maps is a well-known program for getting people where they need to go. More than 220 countries have been mapped, with multiple different transportation methods. Currently, Google Maps is available on all mobile devices (including Android and iOS) and PC versions for anyone wanting printed functionality.
If you’re looking to get the most out of Google Maps, consider the following tips to improve your experience:
Opt for Incognito Mode for Private Search
While the standard version of the program will save all locations entered, Incognito Mode allows users to search without keeping a detailed history. Alternatively, you can opt for auto-delete functionality that deletes any recorded history after a specific time frame. Settings enable three or eighteen months of data at any time, bringing customized options to individual users.
Customize Route Options
If you’re trying to plan routes or trips for employees, avoiding toll roads (which costs money for the company) is essential. Costly fees connected to company vehicles can leave your business on the hook for sizeable bills (depending on the frequency of use and quantity of the fleet). Under the navigation mode, tap the three dots at the top right-hand corner. Choose the route options functionality and select the functionality you require.
Likewise, third-party mapping software often connects with the app, bringing additional features and functionality. For example, uploading datasets for deliveries allow the user to create a custom google map with optimized stops on a route. Maps can formulate with the shortest route or quickest driving time.
Determine Public Transit Capacity
There’s nothing worse than using public transportation to find the subway or train packed. Thankfully, Google added crowdsourced data to predict how busy public transit is likely to be. This functionality includes special sections within a train (women’s sections, baby stroller section, special need capacity, or overall temperature. This feature is handy for anyone needing to commute through public transport on company time – mainly when predicting arrival times for meetings or general needs.
Remember Where You Parked
One of the newer features of Google Maps is the parking functionality. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, open the app on your phone (or exit out of driving mode). Select the blue dot on your map and choose the “Save your parking.” After your appointment (or meeting), open the app on your phone and tap the search bar. Find the “Parking Location” option on the screen. At the bottom of the results, choose the Directions function.
Create Maps with a Purpose
Chances are there is often going to be a reason for creating a map. If you want your map to provide very specific information, it’s important to use an efficient way to attain that objective. Sometimes, the function you’re looking for will only be available with third-party mapping software. However, many of these softwares use Google Maps as a base due to its immense mainstream adoption across all industries. Third-party software, in conjunction with Google Maps, can bring relevant demographics, heat maps, and other crucial analyses to your company. To get started, upload the dataset from your spreadsheet or simply copy and paste the content into the app directly. Select the geographic location of interest and uncover hidden details about your company’s core customer base. These details outline demographic information given by the Census Bureau, including age, household income, employment type, and gender.
Save Your Frequent Locations
If you’re frequently going between a few different locations that you’d regularly like to remember, consider saving them as your favorite places. To save a location on Google Maps, open the application and search for a specific location in the address bar. From there, tap the name or address of the place. Select Save on your phone and choose a list to add it to under your account.
To access your favorite list, open the app and tap the Save bookmark. A comprehensive list of your saved accounts will be posted on the app. Simply click the destination in question and select the “Directions” option to have the directions show up on the app.
Allow Google Maps Offline
If you’re going to an area without network coverage, using the offline map functionality can keep you on the road without a hitch. To download a map for offline use, tap the menu button. Next, select the Offline Maps, and search for the area of your choice. Then select the Download functionality. Users can download the maps for offline use or with a Wi-Fi function.
Conclusion
Google Maps has become the industry and worldwide standard in terms of online mapping due to its ease-of-use, many tools, and rich feature list. While it can’t do everything on its own, many third-party tools exist to ensure Google Maps will do exactly what you want it to. All you have to do is look around and do your research to make Google Maps work for you.
