5 Google Maps features you didn’t know about

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y now, we are all familiar with Google Maps and its ability to help us navigate from one point to another. However, there are five lesser-known features of Google Maps that can greatly enhance your experience in finding and reaching your destination. These features are designed to make your journey more convenient and efficient.

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1. Offline Maps: Google Maps allows you to download maps for offline use, which can be incredibly helpful when you have limited or no internet connectivity. To use this feature, open the Google Maps app, tap on your profile picture at the top right corner, and select "OfflineMaps." From there, choose "Select Your Own Map" and drag and resize the map to cover the desired area. This is particularly useful when traveling to areas with poor network coverage or when you want to conserve mobile data. Consider downloading maps for your destination and even your own city to have them readily available without using data.

2. Name Your Favourite Places: Instead of typing in lengthy and complex addresses every time, you can assign custom names to your favourite places in Google Maps. Simply search for the location in the app, click on the address or business name that appears below the map, and then tap the three dots at the top right corner. From the options that appear, select "Add Label" and give it a name that is easy to remember, such as "Pizza Shop" or "Workplace." Once you've assigned a name, you can simply ask Google to navigate to that place using the designated name.

3. Check Petrol Prices: If you're looking to find the best fuel prices in your area, Google Maps can help. Simply search for"petrol" in the app, and it will display nearby petrol stations along with the current prices of unleaded fuel. This feature allows you to compare prices and choose the most affordable option conveniently. It can be particularly useful when you're on a road trip or looking to save on fuel costs.

4. Find Your Parking Spot: Google Maps can assist you in remembering where you parked your vehicle. After reaching your destination, when the blue dot indicates your current location on the map, tap on it. This will bring up a menu, and one of the options is "SaveParking." Selecting this option will drop a "P" pin on the map to mark your parking spot. Later, when you need to find your way back to your vehicle, you can simply open the app, locate the pin, and even get directions to your parking spot if needed.

5. Explore Nearby Places: Google Maps offers a feature called "Explore" that allows you to discover nearby places of interest, such as restaurants, cafes, parks, and attractions. Simply tap on the"Explore" icon at the bottom of the screen, and you'll see a list of popular categories. Select a category, and Google Maps will display relevant places in your vicinity along with reviews, ratings, and other useful information.