The best features that Google Maps has

It is talking about maps so that we all imagine a name: Google Maps. It seems incredible that this service takes us alone 13 years. Do you remember ever looking at a plane? Beyond the joke, Maps removed the query on those cumbersome paper maps at a stroke by adding such a number of functions that it is impossible to know them all.

How many Google Maps options you use apart from searching the map or letting yourself be guided from one point to another with Navigation? The Google-owned map application has evolved enormously since the first Android appeared as part of the system. In fact, it has changed so much that we would not recognize the interface. And almost not even the maps, because the world has also changed.

Today we have proposed to review the best functions of Google Maps, there are some that you may not even know. They are small additions that have been incorporated into the application to make it even more complete. Maps is not just maps and navigation, it has also included even games. Do you know everything you can do in your Android app?

Share your location in real time

Google Maps

We do not recommend doing this regularly, but it is very practical for when you seek to meet someone again and you are both on the move. Sharing the location you will know where you are instantly making that reunion much easier.

  • Go to «Settings / Share location»Within Google Maps.
  • Choose the time or leave it active until you disconnect it.
  • Select the people who will know your constant location or share the link with whoever you want.

Control music playback

Google Maps allows you to control music playback when you are using point-to-point navigation. It works with Spotify and Google Play Music: Simply connect the service to Maps and activate the playback controls from the app settings, under "Navigation settings". The specific option is «Show multimedia playback controls».

Download the maps to see them offline

This is a real gem, especially if you visit abroad: you can download the portion of the map you need to use it offline. Just go to the side of Google Maps and enter the option «Offline Maps«. Select your own map and cut out the area you need.

Never forget where you parked the car

Remember parking on Google Maps

This is great for those who are forgetful and never remember where they parked the day before. Google Maps usually remembers it by default, but you can force the application to perform that reminder. Just open Maps when you have parked, click on the blue dot that identifies you on the map and choose «Save parking«. The place will remain marked so you always know how to return.

Download the lighter Google Maps application

Google has chosen Maps by creating a reduced application so that Android Go phones and those with limited storage can use it. Do you want to use it? Simply download the application from the following link.

Collaborate with Google Maps and earn badges

Local Guides or local guides are users of Maps that collaborate in the improvement of the application. You can also do it: log in to the app and go to «Your contributions«: Every time you add comments, reviews of an establishment, correction suggestions… you will earn points. And you will level up having the option of winning badges and prizes.

Google Maps has a number that identifies every place in the world

Similar to postal codes, there is a numbering that places anywhere on Google Maps. This numbering is generated for each point on the map. using its latitude and longitude. In this way it is enough to share the number to accurately locate the location.

How to improve the Google Maps compass

Calibrate the compass on Google Maps

Does the compass not place the address correctly on the map? There is a simple way to calibrate it: make an 8 in the air with your mobile. This way you will return the calibration to your compass so that it accurately indicates the direction your smartphone is pointing.

Access the latest news from Google Maps

Do you want to prove before anyone what is coming to the application? You can sign up for the Google Maps beta by clicking on this link. Accept being a tester and your application will be updated with the latest version under test. Be careful: an update may not work correctly.

Remember where you were with Location History

Remember where you were with Location History

This feature, which is included in Google’s personal account, is as striking as it is dangerous. Because, do you want Google to know where you are at all times? He knows. And you can discover the complete history from Google Maps:

  • Display the side menu and click on «Your chronology«.
  • It appears first today. Click on the calendar to see your movements on any date.
  • You can access the complete location history also from your account.

Measure distances with Google Maps

The application allows calculate the distance between one point and another in a straight line. This is useful to know how far a place is or to know the shortest line that connects two locations. Mark any point on the map, display the menu by pulling the screen from the bottom up and click on "Measure distance". You just have to drag the line to where you want to measure.

Move on public transport

Google Maps has been improving the public transport information to include a complete layer on the map; which you can select from the icon in the upper right corner. Links, transfers, all schedules, route planner … You don't need anything else to move from one place to another: Google Maps is an excellent travel guide. And without you having to install anything new, everything comes integrated.

Discover the traffic in real time

The best features that Google Maps has

Another one of those functions that began timidly and that has ended up integrating completely both in the maps and in Google Navigation. For example, you have a full layer dedicated to traffic, you will also receive daily alerts with the expected time to reach your usual places (you can activate it in the settings of Google Maps and then in «Notifications»). Planning the routes with the application can save you many minutes of caravans.

Discover a place to eat, have a coffee …

One of the biggest news in Google Maps came with the possibility of discovering new places. And is that Maps is a mine, you have everything with a single search. Even without searching: deploy the bottom of the application and you will discover everything near you.

Find the cheapest hotel when you travel

Hotel comparators are over: you only need Google Maps to save a few euros in your room. And the app allows you find a room near you or where you plan to travel; including prices through the different booking websites along with the availability of the hotels. Find the cheapest and without leaving Google Maps.

Discover how full the site you plan to go is

Google Maps not only offers you road traffic information, but also influx data that records the busiest places. What are you going to go to the mall on Thursday? Anticipate and find out if there will be many people: just look for the place on Google Maps and browse its information. It is perfect to avoid displacements because you will know the best time to go.

Create lists with your pending places to visit

Create lists with your pending places to visit

Google Maps lists are an excellent way to remember those restaurants, cafes, museums … that you want to visit and that you still have pending. You can save any site by simply displaying the information and clicking on the tag icon. By default you have favorite lists, I want to go and featured sites, but you can create your own custom lists. It is very useful for planning vacations, getaways or weekends, for example.