Last week, in Part 1, we looked at the first list of Google Maps features such as, one-handed zooming on your phone, download areas of the map on Google Maps, how to save your parking space on your map, layers in maps, measure distance, add stops on a trip, and mapping categories for help.
This week we check the other ten Google Map features and more for you!
With #8, you will be able to create Personal Landmarks, or Favorites, by marking and labeling special places on your map for easy reference later. To accomplish this, drop a pin on the location (while in the map tap the place to add a marker/pin), click Save in the list of items below it, and finally add a label. These personal landmarks will show up in your searches and saved places, making it easy to navigate to your favorite spots or remember locations that are meaningful to you.
#9 is one that many mappers use, “Adding reports.” When you are driving and using the map your passenger can add reports by clicking the triangle in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Then they may choose from anything in the list. They are currently, crashes, slowdowns in traffic, police nearby, construction going on in the roads, lane closures, stalled vehicles, and objects on the road. This will greatly help those coming up behind you.
#10 is related to the above, but be a good driver, and do not do this while driving. Google Maps will have popups at the bottom of the screen which ask you to verify the reports added by others. That way the people can keep everything updating in near real time. But DO NOT do any of this while you are the driver, get help from your passengers.
Bonus features:
#11 is a disruption indicator which you may not have yet, but you should in the upcoming months if not sooner. It works similarly to #9 above; however, it is used for weather related issues. This new feature allows users to report and see weather-related issues on the road. If you encounter flooded areas, unplowed roads, or spots with low visibility, you can mark them on the map. This crowdsourced information helps other drivers avoid trouble spots and plan safer routes, especially during extreme weather conditions.
#12 is how to show the current speed you are going. It is next to the speed limit in the lower-left corner. When using the app, if you see it already, you are good. But if the current speed is not available when you are driving, tap the speed limit sign one time and it will appear. If you tap it again, the current speed limit will vanish.
#13 is something fun but it can create problems for some drivers. Change voices under Settings (get there by touching your picture, initials, or three horizontal bars in the upper right), Navigation, and lastly Voice selection. Be warned, you most likely will not get detailed road names, just turn right, etc. The same is true when you get an offer to download Morgan Freeman’s voice or a speaking dog. They are interesting and amusing, but they do not go through the trouble of getting them to say all the street names. Of course, with AI voice generation today, this may change in the near future. If you want to know exactly where to turn via road names, leave it at the default voice in English.
#14 is under the settings as well. Go to navigation again and scroll down the page to find Route options. Here you can make some important adjustments. You may check it to avoid tolls, highways/interstates, or ferries. You may direct to use HOV lanes and fuel-efficient routes if you wish. These can be changed back to the original settings at any time.
Keep in mind:
Google also owns Waze, which you may prefer. Waze has many of these adjustments. My theory is that one day we will have one mapping app from Google. We may get a combination of the best features of both of these applications.
These features transform Google Maps from a simple navigation tool into a comprehensive travel companion. Whether you’re exploring a new city, planning a road trip, or just trying to make your daily commute more efficient, these tools can significantly enhance your experience. Search online or in the application itself for even more features that I have not mentioned here.
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