Where would we have been without Google Maps? Well, we would probably be here, however the time duration to be here, might have been longer. Google map service has changed the way we travel and live our lives, and with some top tips, you can get much more from your Google maps. Below are some favorite Google Maps tricks and tips.

Discover popular places in cities using Google Map service

Google Maps may have some bright orange or beige areas that are highlighted, but do you know what they are for? It is easy! They display popular areas within cities (areas with a high concentration or number of people). In most scenarios these areas are populated with shops, bars, and restaurants. This assist you to easily filter out those areas that might be interesting to visit.

Become a local guide

Google Map service can as well show you reviews, opening times, and photos of various restaurants and shops. These are not just the official entries from restaurant and shop owners, however these are entries from the Google maps user’s myriad. Google relies on volunteer help and has created the Local Guide program as an incentive and reward.

Explore through your timeline

If your location services is enabled and you make use of the Google map service, Google will know everything about all your recent movements. When viewing your timeline, you can see where you have been and pictures you’ve taken at a particular location (assuming the pictures were geotagged and uploaded into Google Photos).
Basically, the data collected by the application comes from your personal movement profile (which needs to be activated, in most cases, this is done during phone setup) as well as geotagged data derived from your photos. This is a slightly creepy function from Google Maps, but nevertheless it is still quite very useful.

See it in Street View

Street View has not disappeared in the Google Maps application. To see the Google Maps Street View, search for a particular location. A tiny rectangular window will appear above the search bar, showing the rating and name of the location. The window also has a circular arrow and an image. Press on it to load up the Google Maps Street View.

Google map service enables a “use your voice” command

The Google map service goes beyond merely tapping the screen to get things done. Whenever you are navigating you can also control Google Maps using your voice. Just tap on the microphone icon and use certain voice commands such as:
• Turn off/on voice
• Mute/Unmute
• Be quiet
• Next turn
• Show other routes
• What is my ETA?
• How much longer before my next turn?