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Google Maps: Tricks You Should Start Using
Driving to work, running errands, finding the nearest store or gas station, finding a parking lot. or planning a trip... There is a high probability that you will open the Google Maps application on your smartphone at least once in the meantime. DaleÄ the most popular and widespread location application has many (hidden and lesser known) features that can save you a lot of frustration and unpleasantness while driving a car, taking public transportation or even walking.
In the unlikely event that you've never used Google Maps before, you're extremely brave and confident in your navigation skills. However, you are making your job more difficult, because you could have an extremely reliable and smart co-pilot with you all this time, who would effortlessly take you from point A to point B.
In the following, you will learn about some features that will convince you to use the Google Maps application or upgrade your existing one. method and use. You will also learn about some similar location apps that work just like Google Maps or even better.
Photo: Unsplash
What is Live View in Google Maps?
When you park your car a few blocks away from your actual destination, which is a very common occurrence in crowded Ljubljana, it is more difficult to find your way by following the blue dot on your smartphone screen. Fortunately, Google has prepared a handy Live View tool, with which you can see exactly which direction you are walking. All you have to do is pick up your phone, point the camera and give Google access to your camera.
The feature uses the mobile camera to scan the buildings around you and puts a giant arrow on the screen to help you find the exact location of your target. How to start using?
Enter the desired destination in the Google Maps application and click Directions. Select the Walk icon from the top toolbar. The application will thus find a walking route to your chosen location. At the bottom of the screen, click the Live View button next to the On button. Follow the instructions and give Google access to the camera. Direct the latter towards shops, shop windows and signs in the surrounding area. As you continue your journey, large arrows and street names will appear on the screen to guide you on your way to your destination.
Google Maps offline
How many times have you been let down by the Google Maps app due to a poor cellular signal? In concrete jungles, this can happen at any time, as we are surrounded by signal jammers at every turn. It's a good thing that Google Maps is smart enough to work even offline when needed. How can you arrange the entire itinerary before departure?
Enter the selected destination in the application. Click on the place name or address at the bottom of the screen. In the button bar Start, Directions, Address book, click on the Save button. ÄŒIf you can't find the button, click on the icon MoreÄ in the upper right corner and then Download offline map.
When you find yourself without a signal, navigation will be available to you based on the saved map, which will work offline.
Hide location with no history mode
Incognito Mode, or mode without recording history, is already familiar to you from Chrome, Firefox, Safari and other web browsers. In this case, too, it is a function that hides the search history from potential miscreants and other users of your phone or user account. If you want to surprise your partner with a special gift, you can hide your history of visits to stores and other locations. This will ensure that the surprise is truly authentic.
Open the Google Maps application, click on your profile icon in the upper right corner (next to the search bar) and select Turn on anonymous mode. When you're ready to turn off anonymous mode, follow the same steps.
Google Maps in private mode will not be able to save your browsing or search history, send you notifications, update your location history, or use your activity to customize Maps.
Planning stops in Google Maps
If you want Google Maps to plan your route in detail and ensure you arrive at your desired destination on time, include all planned stops.
Enter your final destination in the app. Click Directions and then the Več icon in the upper right corner; (three dots). Select Add stop, where you can add any number of stops. When you're done, Maps will update and you'll get a realistic time of arrival at your destination.
How to easily find a parking lot?
If your most popular parking spot is full and you don't want to wander aimlessly through side streets hoping for a free parking spot, you can help yourself with Google Maps. This tip is very similar to the stop planning trick.
Select a destination, click Directions, zoom in on the map around your final destination and find the nearest parking sign (blue P symbol). Click on the icon and then Add stop.
Street View street view
Before you leave, you can see how a shop, restaurant, hotel or other building looks alive in Street View. If you are going abroad and want to see the exterior of the hotel you will be staying in for the next 14 days, use Street View.
Search for the location you want to view in the Google Maps application. In the lower left corner, you will notice a frame with a photo of the selected location. This is a street view of the area you want to visit. Areas can be enlarged or reduced, and by clicking on the screen you can move along the road.
Sharing your location with your loved ones
You must turn on Location Sharing first. Click on your profile icon and select Location Sharing. Specify the sharing time (from 15 minutes to 24 hours) and the person you want to grant access to track your location. You can select contacts from the address book and other applications, such as Messenger, Gmail, and the like.
You can do the same with your itinerary. If you and a friend have arranged for coffee, you can send them a link to track your current location. Select a destination, in the upper right corner click on the icon VeÄ and select Location Sharing.
An alternative to Google Maps
If you are not satisfied with Google Maps or if you do not want to share this type of data with Google, you have several alternatives available that will help you. when searching for directions to a destination: MAPS.ME, Bing Maps, Navmii, MapQuest, Sygic Maps, Waze, HERE WeGo …
