Some Useful Features Of Google Maps

What a difference a year makes, particularly when it comes to Android and Google’s ever-changing Maps app. Key new features include searching and navigating in “offline” mode, as well as viewing (or hiding) your contacts on the map.

1. Search and navigate with offline maps
To download an offline map, just tap anywhere on the screen, pull up the detail window at the bottom of the display, then tap Download and position the box over the area of the map you’d like to save. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to search and navigate in your saved areas the next time your device is offline.

To update or delete your saved maps, tap the three-line “hamburger” button in the top corner of the page, select Offline areas, tap a map, then tap Delete or Update.

2. Send map directions from a desktop to a phone
Just click the Send to Your Phone button, and the location will appear as a notification on any of your signed-in Android or iOS devices; you can also send a Google Maps marker within an email or text message, just like before.

3. Look for (or hide) your contacts on the map
Just tap a name to jump to the contact’s card in your address book, or to get turn-by-turn directions to their location.

Only you can see the names of contacts in Google Maps, but there’s still a way to wipe a name off the map.

Just tap the name in Maps, tap the three-dot menu button next to their contact card entry, then tap Hide contact in Maps.

4. Add a private label to a place
To add a private label to a location, tap it on the map, tap the three-dot menu button in the top corner of the screen, select Add label, then type in anything you want.

5. Change the icon for home or work
Just tap your home or work icon in Google Maps (you can search, or tap the three-line hamburger button, tap Your Places, then find Home and Work under the Labeled tab), then tap Give your icon a new look. You can pick from more than 30 different icons, from a camper to an igloo to a teepee or a windmill.

6. Measure the distance from one point to another
Tap anywhere on a street until a red pin drops, swipe up on the information pane at the bottom of the screen, then tap Measure distance.

Next, drag the map until the on-screen reticule is hovering over the location you want; as you drag, the number of feet or miles will appear at the bottom of the screen. If you want to make a turn, tap the blue plus-sign to anchor the line to the map and drag the reticule in a new direction. Keep going until you’ve traced your entire course, then check how many miles you’re actually pounding out each day.

7. Know when the bus, train, or subway is coming
No need to pull out a bus schedule when you’re checking public transit on Google Maps. Tap a station, then tap a line for arrival times.

Times that appear in green are in real time, and you can tap a time to see arrival times for other stops on the line.