Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation apps and has continued to develop over the years. New features are added while others disappear. Therefore, it is worth taking a look at some functions that Google added to its map service.
The practical features can help you make your navigation even more efficient or individual. Here are six useful functions that you should definitely know!
1. Use offline cards
Admittedly, this function is not new - but a real classic that should not be forgotten! Especially when traveling, it can happen that you have no mobile reception. So that you can still find your way around strange cities or on unknown roads, you can save cards in Google Maps offline.
This is how it works:
- Open Google Maps and searches for the desired area.
- Tap your profile picture at the top right and select in the menu
Offline cards
. - Click on
Create your own card
And pulls the desired area into the center of the box. - At the bottom of the screen edge you can see how much storage space the card needs.
The stored cards often remain available for years, but can also be deleted manually. However, keep in mind that offline cards do not contain current traffic information-perfect for orientation, but less for backlogs.
2. Adjust your car individually
If you often use Google Maps for car journeys, you can individually adjust the navigation symbol during the route ride and design your virtual car according to your taste.
Instead of the classic blue arrow, there are various vehicle types such as SUVs or sports cars to choose from - in eight different colors. There is something for every style from glacier white to ash gray and poppy red to sky blue or sunset Magenta.
To change the symbol, simply start a route and tap the blue arrow. Then you can select your desired vehicle and navigate with more personality!
3. Layer petrol prices
Another feature that is particularly likely to be happy is the display of gasoline prices per fuel variety.
If you are in the search barPetrol station
orFuel prices
Included, you will not only be shown the name, evaluation and removal of the petrol stations, but also the price per liter for the respective type of fuel. This feature usually works for all larger petrol station chains and helps you to better compare the current prices.
In the map view, petrol stations are now sorted directly by price instead of names. So you can see at a glance whether there is a cheaper petrol station along your route - and thus save specifically!
4. Check air quality
Even if many smartphones already have an air quality display in your weather app, you can now also access it directly in Google Maps.
Tap on the level symbol over the compass needle in the top right of the map view and chooseAir quality
out of. The card shows you different zones ofvery good
(blue) tovery bad
(rot) an.
However, note that the air quality display is currently only available in many European countries and some international regions.
5. Use peak times
Similar to road traffic, Google uses data to display how strongly a place is visited or used.
If you want to visit your favorite restaurant or try a new one, you can check the peak times in advance. Just search for the desired place and scroll down in the details. There you will find an overview that shows how high the average utilization is at certain times.
However, note that these are estimated values based on average data. Even if a place is displayed as strongly visited, it can be worthwhile to just try it - maybe you will still find a place!
6. Let yourself be remembered, to start on time
Google Maps can help you get rid of it in good time so that you can arrive at your destination on time - whether by car or public transport.
For car journeys you scroll down on the proposed route until you have the little bell with the hintRemember to get started on time
see. After activating this function, a window opens in which you can either determine the desired departure or arrival time. So you plan your journey even more precisely.
When driving on public transport, you first choose the best connection. Then scroll down, where you canRemember to start just in time
finds. This function helps you not to miss the perfect time for your departure.
How did you like these tips? Is there anything that is missing and makes your Google Maps experience even better? Do you have an insider tip that you want to share with the community? How did you come across it? Or is there a function that you miss in Google Maps? Write it to us in the comments!
