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Google Maps is an essential application which helps people navigate this world. It provides GPS navigation to integrate ride-sharing services. It offers numerous features that enhance destination details beyond simple directions.
Google Maps does not just provide users with routes for travelling, it also considers factors like accessibility and environmentally friendly routes while doing it. Understanding the tricks and tips of this application will enhance the user experience when they hit the road. Here is a list of some Google tricks.
In most cases, users are confronted with situations where Internet connection is either non-existent or very limited. Fortunately, Google Maps has an option that lets users use it offline, and therefore people will not get lost.
To download a map, a user needs to type an address or area, swipe up on the bottom menu bar, tap next to the search bar symbol, which looks like three vertical dots, and then choose the option “Download offline map.” In any case, if there is enough storage on the device, the map will be stored for further use. Users can access it through the option ‘Offline maps’ right under the user’s avatar. This feature allows them to see details about businesses in the area and get directions without any need for a data connection.
The most widely used mode of transport in the modern world of transport is ride-sharing services. Google Maps has several companies that offer ride options like Lyft integrated. If a user has typed in where he or she wants to go, they can tap the icon of a man signalling for a taxi. It pops up ride-share options near each with time of arrival and cost. It is making travelling easier by letting users just tap on the word 'Open App' to place a ride to order.
The mobile app and website offer direct communication options for users with disabilities. The 'Disabled Access' feature is designed to help users find transit routes. When searching for train or bus transport, users can select between "Options" and "Wheelchair Accessible" to view suitable route.
Another valuable feature is the "Accessible Places" mode, which provides extensive information on reaching a destination. To activate this mode, users can navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Accessible Places. Once enabled, a wheelchair icon will indicate accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and parking. If a location lacks an accessible entrance, Google Maps will inform the user accordingly.
To make the user experience better, Google Maps allows saving the user's parking location. If a user reaches their desired destination, they should tap on the blue dot location and select "Save parking." This automatically creates a note within the app indicating where they have parked. Android users can add more information to the app, such as the parking garage level and remaining meter time.
Besides, users can add reminders for meters and attach a photo of where they are parked. They can also share their location with friends, too. Later on, to view this information, one needs to tap the search bar, then select "Parking location" on Android or "Saved parking" on iOS. Under normal circumstances, Google Maps will delete parking reminders after eight hours. Users can also erase it if necessary.
Google has a record of all navigation-related activities. Some people want to clear out these records. Users can delete Maps data on the desktop and mobile versions. They could simply go to maps.google.com on a computer, click the hamburger menu, choose "Your data in Maps," scroll down to "Location History" and "See & delete activity."
A map will pop up with a timeline of their activity, and they can click the trash icon to delete all location history forever. Google with its new features now sets users to auto-delete users history every three months after activating their location history. The user can change this option at myactivity.google.com with the option of how often Google considers it in its interest to delete the data of the users: every three, 18, or 36 months, or it can be deactivated completely.
If users want to explore Google Maps privately, using Incognito mode is an excellent choice. This mode ensures that Google Maps does not save search history or send notifications about activities. Users can navigate anonymously, and their actions will not be recorded in location history.
To enable Incognito mode, users need to tap their avatar and then navigate to "Turn on Incognito mode." There will be an icon on the search bar, and they can turn it off when they want to.
This is one of the coolest features on Google Maps, which takes part through Street View. It grants someone to see how a particular place has been changing with time. One can reach this feature by entering Street View for an address and tapping anywhere on the screen. By selecting "See more dates" at the bottom, one gets a series of historical photos that allow him to explore the evolution of a place.
There is a provision for attaching to music applications like Spotify or Apple Music for those who also like listening to music while surfing. Thus, users can also set the desired music service by opening the menu and following the settings.
In iOS, this will be done by double tapping the strip, then selecting "Navigation" and then "Music playback controls," while for Android, they will click on "Navigation settings" and then their preferred music service. While connected, heads up while driving and pop up for auto-play without interruption.
Google Maps has a special feature for those interested in the environment - driving with a focus on fuel consumption. In this mode, instead of choosing a route for minimum time, the app will choose a route that will consume less power. This is done in the settings > Navigation settings where there has to be a switch labelled "Prefer fuel-efficient routes" that is switched on. Users can also indicate the type of engine their car uses, whether it be gas, diesel, electric, or a hybrid, so routes of their choice can be provided.
Google Maps is also assisting in public health because it allows the public to find the nearest bins where they can dispose of drugs. With the help of a search bar, such as typing 'drug disposal', a customer can locate the nearest pharmacies, health facilities, and several other disposal points for addictive substances. This feature assists in fighting the opioid use crisis because users may eliminate unwanted drugs appropriately.
Google Maps is an application that can show a user many features and options aimed at improving navigation. In greater detail, some functionalities may include offline access, ride-sharing choices and options, appropriate transit corridors, and several other options that could guide users better and more accordingly. With such add-ons as music and history, along with environmental considerations when choosing a route, Google Maps has over the years turned into an old friend for contemporary travellers.
