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A passenger uses Google Maps on a mobile phone.

10 Google Map Features You Didn’t Know About

Most of us use Google Maps to get from one location to another without getting lost, but did you know it can do much more? If you’re looking to get more use out of your mobile app, here are 10 things you didn’t know you can do with Google Maps.

  1. You can make multi-route stops.
    Sometimes getting from point A to point B isn’t as simple as we want it to be. There are times that we have to make multiple stops, and this complexity can confuse many navigation apps. Thankfully, Google Maps allows you to set several stops instead of resetting your end destination.
  2. You can view upcoming events.
    Google Maps is part of the Google ecosystem, so you can use the app to find upcoming events in the area—or in another city! When you search the app for local venues, you’ll see the future events at that location. This feature makes it a lot easier to find out what’s going on and to plan your evenings accordingly.
  3. You can save maps for offline use.
    Using your app service offline can be incredibly important, especially when you’re navigating spotty areas. The last thing you want is to drop service when you’re lost. With Google Maps, you can save maps for offline use and never get lost in the first place.
  4. You can search for flight plans.
    If you’re planning a trip, Google Maps shows you the lowest flight ticket and the length of the flight. Just search your address and where you’re going. If the price interests you, Google Maps provides a link for you to purchase the ticket.
  5. You can use Smart Search.
    If you're in an unfamiliar area, you can use Smart Search to find interesting places you may want to visit. For example, if you’re in Florence, you may not know where some of the most beautiful churches are. Smart Search will find these for you and even give you directions based on your location.
  6. You can choose your course.
    Whether you’re walking or driving, Google Maps allows you to choose which course you want to take. If you have a favorite route or prefer to stay away from the freeways, you can change the path to suit you. All you have to do is tap the road you want to take, and the app will make adjustments to the course.
  7. You can use Google Plus.
    Google Plus is becoming increasingly popular, and people use it to review places that they love. Before you visit a restaurant, museum, or local attraction, you can now look at what people have to say. You’ll never visit a crappy restaurant or museum again!
  8. You can save addresses you visit the most.
    If you find yourself visiting the same location multiple times but are unable to locate the address on your own, you can save the address for a later date. Whether you visit once a month or once every three months, you can recall past addresses and visit them easily.
  9. You can view Google Street view.
    If you’ve ever wanted to visit somewhere but don’t have the money, you can use Google Maps to look around the area like never before. The app allows you to browse every house, restaurant, and bar in a particular location as if you were there yourself—just like you’re walking down the street!
  10. You can measure your workout.
    With the popular FitBit activity tracker, you can use Google Maps to record the intensity of your workout with ease. You can measure distance as well as the paths that you take when you go running. Additionally, you can save your favorite routes to take later.
Last Updated: March 10, 2016