W hat app do you usually open when travelling to distant and unfamiliar places? It has to be Google Maps, right? This brilliant app is a lifesaver for finding directions, checking ratings, and reading reviews of your destination. Without it, well, getting lost would almost be guaranteed!
To help you master Google Maps, let us dive into some hidden features that can supercharge your navigation experience!
1. Go Back in Time with Street View's Time Machine
One of the coolest hidden features on Google Maps is a little time travel trick! You probably know about Street View, but did you know you can also see how places looked years ago? It is a proper "Doc Brown" moment!
Here is how it works: drag Pegman (the little yellow figure) onto any road to enter Street View. Then, at the top left, you will notice a clock icon. Click it, and a slider will appear, letting you choose different years to view past images. Amazing, right?
2. Calibrate Your Compass for Perfect Accuracy
Ever found yourself facing the wrong way while navigating? It is not always Google Maps' fault — sometimes your phone's compass needs recalibrating.
To recalibrate, tap the blue dot that shows your location, then tap "Calibrate compass" at the bottom. Move your smartphone in a figure-8 motion three times. Voilà ! Your compass will be spot-on again, and you will not get lost.
3. Save Places You Dream of Visiting
Maybe you are daydreaming about a trip to Tokyo but not quite ready yet? No worries! Google Maps lets you save exciting places for future adventures — like must-visit sushi bars, stunning temples, or cosy hotels.
To save a place, simply find it on the map, tap "Save", and add it to a list. You can create your own lists, such as "Future Travels" or "Best Restaurants", and even choose whether they are public or private. Planning a dream trip has never been easier!
4. View Your Daily Timeline
Curious about where you go every day? Google Maps’ Timeline feature keeps track of your movements — great for reminiscing or checking your routines.
To access it, tap your profile picture, select "Your Timeline", and enable Location History if you have not already. You will see a day-by-day breakdown of your travels, how you got there, and even how long you stayed. Handy and a bit nostalgic!
5. Become a Local Guide and Earn Rewards
Fancy yourself a bit of a travel guru? As a Google Maps Local Guide, you can share reviews, upload photos and videos, edit information, and answer questions — all while earning points that can unlock early access to new features and other perks!
The more you contribute, the more you level up. It is a fun way to give back to the community while boosting your own experience.
6. Use Maps Offline When Internet Is Patchy
Ever lost signal just when you needed directions the most? Here is the trick: you can download areas for offline use!
Simply search for a place, tap its name or address, select "Download", and you will have access even without the internet. Lifesaver for road trips or international travel where roaming costs an arm and a leg!
7. Share Your Real-Time Location
Meeting friends in a busy city or letting loved ones know you are safe? Google Maps lets you share your live location.
Tap your profile picture, then "Location Sharing", and choose who to share with and for how long. Super useful when coordinating meet-ups or during emergencies!
Conclusion
There you have it — seven awesome features in Google Maps that can totally upgrade your travel game! Next time you open the app, why not try out some of these tips? Who knows — you might end up becoming the go-to navigation expert in your group!
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