In this article, we will show you How to Use Google Maps like Pro. Google Maps is the most-used web map and navigation service application, accessible from mobile phones (Android, iOS) and from every computer through a web browser regardless of their operating system. This application represents a great, convenient, and very attractive alternative to the well-known GPS device.
Many of you know about Google Maps, but how many of you really know how to master it? Besides the real facts that it offers street maps, route planner (for traveling by foot, car or bike), a locator for businesses around the world with user’s reviews and photos, satellite images and street views for most of the streets, it has some hidden features and capabilities too.
How to Use Google Maps like Pro
Customize the Directions Arrow
Since the launch of Google Maps, you may have been guided by the blue arrow on your screen pointing to your designated destinations. It may guide you well, but it’s a pretty boring visualization. To have more fun while guiding you to your destinations, you can customize the pointer in Google Maps. You can replace the boring blue arrow in Google Maps with a fancy new car model. Follow the steps below to customize the car icon:
Step 1. Open the Google Maps app on your phone.
Step 2. Launch a navigation session and enter your destination.
Step 3. Long-press the classic blue navigation arrow in driving mode.
Step 4. Pick your vehicle of choice from the menu.
Access Maps Offline
Google Maps lets you download entire regions where you want to go on vacation. This way, you won’t lose directions when you don’t have an Internet connection, and your data plan won’t be used up when you’re on the road. Even if it’s just to navigate around the city, this feature can save your day. Learn how to save a specific location in Google Maps to use it offline here:
Step 1. Open the Google Maps app.
Step 2. Tap on three horizontal lines located in the top-left corner.
Step 3. Navigate to Offline maps from the menu.
Step 4. Tap on Select Your Own Map at the top of the screen.
Step 5. Use pinching to zoom out the map until the blue box covers the location you intend to use offline.
Step 6. Hit the Download button when you’re done selecting.
Downloading Google Maps takes some time depending on the size of the selected area. After downloading, this position will be saved for the whole next year, unless it is updated. To access the downloaded maps, follow the same process as described above. You will then see a list of your downloaded maps in the Offline Maps section.
Search and Save Your Parking Spot
Google Maps knows how difficult it is to find a free parking space. Finding a free parking space is much easier with this feature. When you move around the city, visit shopping malls or travel to unfamiliar places, you’ll be able to search and find a free parking spot near you. Also, you can save the location of your car so you won’t forget where you left it in a large parking lot. If it takes you a while to find your car in a busy parking garage, this feature will be very handy!
Here’s how you can locate a parking spot:
Step 1. Open the Google Maps app after reaching your destination.
Step 2. Search for Parking Near Me in the search bar at the top.
Step 3. Choose a parking spot.
Step 4. Tap Directions.
Here’s how you can save your parking location:
Step 1. Tap on the blue dot while you are close to your car.
Step 2. Tap Save your parking.
Share Your Location
Although it may seem unsettling at first, sharing your location with others can be incredibly helpful. You can let your friends know where you are, or share your location with the rescue team if you get lost in the woods. To share your location, open the Google Maps app and click the search bar. This will display your location. Then tap Share your location.
Delete Your Google Maps History
When you enter any location in the Google Maps search bar, suggestions are displayed for places you have already visited. Google Maps gets this information from your location history. It can be helpful to find places you visit regularly in the suggestions, as it saves you a few taps. However, it can also give away the places you visit when someone checks your phone. Therefore, delete your location history to keep it private.
Step 1. Launch Google Maps.
Step 2. In the top-right corner of the screen, tap your Google profile icon.
Step 3. Go to Settings and tap on Map History.
Step 4. In the Delete Maps Activity, you can delete maps of the last hour, last day, or all-time according to your choice.
Check How Busy Businesses Are
Have you ever made a last-minute appointment for lunch or dinner? It might not be easy to get a table if the restaurant is always busy. Thanks to Google Maps crowdsourcing, you can find out what times are busiest at each store. If you know what times are the least busy, you can visit malls, theaters, or other crowded places at quieter times and avoid queues.
Here’s how you can check the busy hours of any business:
Step 1. Open Google Maps.
Step 2. Under the Search bar, tap on any business, for instance, Restaurants.
Step 3. Click on the restaurant of your choice from the list.
Step 4. Scroll down to Popular Times.
The Popular Times section shows you how busy a business is right now or throughout the day.
Check What Streets Look Like
Google Maps’ Street View uses Google’s 360° imaging and allows users to share panoramic photos to add a personal touch to the map experience. It saves photos over time to show people how a particular street has changed over time. It’s also ideal if you want to scout out a new route before driving. When you post images to the Street View area, Google Maps automatically rotates and positions the images. It then creates a slideshow of the added photos for a specific location. Once added, other travelers can view the street for years to come.
Step 1. Click on the downward arrow at the top of the Google Maps app.
Step 2. In the Map Details, tap on Street View.
Step 3. Tap on the blue dots to see the street photos of your specific location.
Hide Your Home From Street View
You could consider Google Maps displaying your home in Street View appears to be an extremely intrusive measure. It’s normal for people not to care about having their home added to Google Street View, but they might, as it allows strangers to see where you live.
Luckily, Google allows users to blur or delete their home location completely. This prevents their secret locations from being publically available, thereby protecting their privacy. To hide your home location, click on the Street View on Google Maps. Then, enter your address. This way, Google Street View lets you easily locate your home.
Tap on three dots in the upper-right corner and hit ‘Report a problem.’ From the list of problems, you can choose Privacy concerns and click Report. Bear in mind that Google may take a few days to hide your home location from Google Maps.
Final Words
We hope like this article on How to Use Google Maps like Pro. Google Maps is one of our favorite technologies because of its ability to provide so many different services in one place. It’s convenient, easy-to-use, and much more cost-effective than buying an expensive GPS device!
I hope you understand this article, How to Use Google Maps like Pro.
