Google Maps has added several new features to its app that you’ll be able to use in the coming weeks on iOS and Android. The latest update will be more helpful in providing you with the best route to take while cycling and can also alert you when a friend or family member arrives at a safe location.
Read on to see the newest features, as well as the six lesser-known features we recommend you try to help make getting to your destination easier. To learn more, discover hidden Google Maps tricks for travelers.
New: Get alerts on Google Maps when friends arrive or leave a location
Google has added a new feature to its Maps app that notifies you when a friend or family member arrives or leaves a specified location. For example, if you’re waiting for your friend to meet you at a concert, you can request to be notified when they arrive at the venue. The person you’re requesting notifications for must first share their location with you; they will also be notified when you submit the request and can decline it.
To get started, select your profile icon and tap Sharing. Choose the person you want to request location notifications from the list. Then select Add to add an address to receive updates from your friend. You’ll then choose a designated location, as well as when you’ll be notified (on arrival or departure) and tap Save.
This feature is now rolling out to Android and iPhone users.
New: Use Immersive View to experience landmarks in aerial view
As a start to rolling out Google’s new immersive viewing feature, it’s rolling out aerial views of nearly 100 landmarks in cities including Barcelona, London, New York, San Francisco and Tokyo. With this update, you can get a virtual view of structures like the Empire State Building. You can see if a building is available by searching for a landmark on Google Maps and going to the Photos section.
New: Get more detailed information on bike routes
If you bike almost everywhere, you’ll soon be able to compare bike routes to determine which way to go. You will also be able to see the elevation along the route, what the traffic is like and if there will be stairs or steep hills. The route will show whether you will be cycling on a main road or a local street.
Google said it will begin rolling out this new feature in the coming weeks in cities where cycling directions are available.
1. Use Live View to guide you to your destination when walking
When you’ve parked your car five blocks from your destination, trying to follow a little blue dot to figure out where you’re going can be tricky. With Google’s Live View tool, you can see exactly where you’re going by holding your phone screen.
The feature uses your camera to scan the buildings around you and places a huge arrow on the screen to help you find the exact location you need to be. Below we explain how to use it.
1. In the Google Maps app, enter your destination and tap Directions.
2. Select the Walking icon at the top of the map screen.
3. At the bottom of the screen, tap the Live View button. It’s next to the Start button.
4. Point the camera at buildings and street signs (note that you will need to give the app access to the camera). When you start walking to your destination, large arrows and the street name will appear on the screen to guide you.
2. Download routes for when you lose phone signal
never fails When you need directions most, your phone loses signal. Fortunately, Google Maps lets you download your route ahead of time so you never have to worry about getting lost. This trick is especially useful if you’re traveling in an area with poor cell phone coverage.
1. Enter your destination in the Google Maps app.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap the site name or address.
3. Scroll right and tap Download.
4. Tap Download again. The map of the area you selected will now be available offline.
Use Google Maps offline so you’re never redirected when your phone loses signal.
Sarah Tew/CNET
3. Keep your destinations private with incognito mode
A feature for Android and iPhone users lets you go incognito while using Google Maps. This means you can hide your location from other Maps users, as well as the locations you’ve searched for. So if you’re trying to surprise your special someone with a stylish necklace, this is the one for you.
Open the Google Maps app, tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, and select Turn on incognito mode. When you’re ready to turn off the setting, follow the same steps and select Turn off incognito mode.
4. Include multiple travel stops to get an accurate ETA
If Google says your trip will take seven hours but it ends up being eight, you may not have included several stops along the way. Google Maps lets you add stops so you can get a more accurate destination time.
1. In the Google Maps app, enter your first destination, such as a gas station or coffee shop.
2. Tap Directions.
3. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
4. Tap Add stop. Add as many stops as you want.
5. Press Done when you have finished adding stops. Now, you’ll get a more accurate ETA when planning trips.
5. Find a parking space for your car
Knowing where you can and can’t park your car is essential, especially if you’re late for work or driving somewhere unfamiliar. Instead of driving and waiting to finally find a parking spot, use Google Maps to point you in the right direction.
1. In the Google Maps app, enter the location where you need to park or near it.
2. Tap Directions.
3. Expand the location to see all the P icons located near your destination. Tap a P (to park).
4. Tap Add stop. The parking space will be added as the first stop on your route and you can continue to your next destination.
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6. Use Street View to see real photos of your destinations
Pictures can be deceiving, so before you book a hotel that looks nice, use Street View to see how it looks on Google Maps first. Next year, Google hopes to launch an entirely new camera for Street View next year to help map and capture images from remote corners of the world.
1. In the Google Maps app, search for a location, such as a hotel you’re planning to stay at.
2. In the lower left corner, you will see a small box with a photo of the building. This is the Street View of the area, so tap it to see what it looks like.
3. You can zoom in and out by sliding your finger across the screen.
Want more tips? Check out these hidden Google Maps features for travelers you might not know about.