Nick Bastone / Business Insider
- Google Maps is filled with useful features that aren’t always immediately obvious, such as adding a stop along your route or sharing your trip progress with a friend.
- Here’s a look at some of the most useful Google Maps features you may not have heard of.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Google Maps has become so pervasive and useful since its launch in 2005 that it’s almost impossible to remember how we got around without it. From seeing how long it takes to get from point A to B to scouting out restaurants and points of interest, it’s an invaluable resource for navigating neighborhoods both familiar and new.
And, of course, Google Maps has come a long way over its 14-year history.
Here’s a look at some of the most useful features in Google’s wildly popular navigation app.
Change the time to see the most accurate results.
Lisa Eadicicco/Business Insider
Google Maps can be very helpful for looking up directions ahead of time. But when doing so, be sure to change the time window to match the time during which you plan to travel. That makes it possible for Google to serve up the most accurate results based on traffic patterns and other variables.
To do this, tap the "Depart at" button near the top of the screen located just below where Google lists the available modes of transportation.
Keep a list of your favorite places.
Lisa Eadicicco/Business Insider
If you often have a hard time keeping track of your favorite go-to spots, Google Maps can help. Just tap the icon that looks like three vertical lines stacked on top of one another and choose the "Your places" option. From there, tap the "Saved" tab, choose "Favorites," and press the "Add" button to save your favorite brunch restaurant or neighborhood bar.
Use the commute tab to see information about your route in just a tap.
Lisa Eadicicco/Business Insider
The "Commute" tab in Google Maps makes it easy to see information about your daily drive or train ride to work with just a tap.
First, make sure Google Maps knows your work address by tapping the icon that looks like three vertical lines in the top left corner of the screen. Then, press "Your places" to view the home and work address you have saved in Google Maps.
Once your work address is up to date, just tap the "Commute" tab located between the "Explore"and "For you" buttons near the bottom of the screen to view details about your route.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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Source: Business Insider – leadicicco@businessinsider.com (Lisa Eadicicco)