Locate Multiple Locations
Whether you’re going on vacation or you have a number of errands to run before arriving at the office, it’s extremely useful to be able to plot out driving directions to multiple locations. Fortunately, Google Maps offers this feature.
To plot several different locations on a Google Map, you simply enter your starting and ending points. Then click the three dots in the app’s top-right corner and select “Add stop” from the pop-over menu. This will allow you to create a route with multiple stops. Additionally, you can drag and drop the stops into an order that’s most convenient to you.
Get AR Walking Directions
AR stands for Augmented Reality, and the Google Maps AR or Live View feature makes it possible to use this technology to help you find your way around while walking.
It works by using the camera on the rear of your phone to determine where you are, and then it superimposes directions and details on the display instead of presenting you with a map. Then, using AI, the app identifies what you see, and GPS technology places your position on the map. In this way, Google can point you in the right direction.
To find the Live View function, you first need to enter a search for the destination you want to walk to. Then, make sure you’ve selected “walking” as your mode of transport. Next, select the “Live View” button located at the bottom of the page. Finally, tilt your phone upwards so you can look through it to see the AR view.
Avoid Forgetting Where You Parked
A key component of all the best mapping software is the ability to save your parking location. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this is a feature that Google Maps offers.
To save GPS information about where you parked your car, you first open the Google Maps Android app. You will see a blue location dot identifying where you and your phone are currently located. Tap on this blue dot, and a menu will appear. From the menu, select “Save your parking.” Doing this will add a label to the Maps app, identifying where your vehicle is parked. You can then add details about your parking spot, such as the garage level or the amount of time you have left before the meter expires. Additionally, you can set reminders to feed the meters, include a photo of your parking spot, and send your parking location to friends.
Once you’re ready to retrieve the information about your parking spot, you simply have to tap the search bar and select “Parking location.” Alternatively, you can tap “Driving” at the bottom of the app and look for “Saved parking.” Finally, to delete your parking information, select Driving>Clear.
Travel Through Time
Unfortunately, Google Maps does not yet offer a time machine. However, it can provide you a view of the past.
Over the years, Street View has collected a huge amount of street imagery. Users can access this collection to see how a location has changed over the years. So it’s a virtual time machine of sorts.
To access this look into history, you need first to make sure you’re in Street View. Then, you need to click the small stopwatch icon in the top-left corner of the screen. This will open a sliding scale that you can use to sort through Street Views over time.
Control Google Maps with Voice Commands
The last thing you want to do when driving takes your eyes off the road to fiddle with your navigation app. Not only is this illegal, but it’s also dangerous. Fortunately, with the Google Maps Android app, you can use your voice to give it commands. For example, let’s say you suddenly notice that the gas indicator is dangerously close to empty. Simply say, “OK, Google, find gas stations.” The app will then show you the nearest gas stations. You can also ask for your next turn, your ETA, or get an idea of the traffic ahead of you.
If you’re using voice commands for the first time, you’ll need to set up the Google Assistant. Once you’ve done this, any time the app is open, it will accept commands that start with, “OK Google.”
