It’s been fifteen years since Google changed the way people explore the world and discover places with Maps.
Along with this new milestone comes the introduction of the new Google Maps icon, giving limelight to the pin which has been the product’s key design element since it was introduced. The new icon represents a shift from simply seeking directions to helping users discover and explore new experiences and places.
The navigation app has become essential to everyday life and has offered a virtual window to the world, bringing people to places that matter to them with just a few taps. But there is more to Google Maps than what meets the eye–beyond its familiar navigating features, location settings, and even itinerary guides, there are other helpful functions and tools that will let you make the most out of Google Maps.
Finding new places made easy
- Get tailored recommendations. Check out the For You tab for the trending places curated based on your interests and recent activities. It also notifies you on specific stores and restaurants that you like and sends updates on upcoming activities and events which you may be interested in.
- Enjoy new things to love. Looking for new hangout spots or speakeasies in the metro? The Explore tab lets you in on bars and restaurants, upcoming events, and even activity recommendations based on your current location.
- All the things you love in one list. Gone are the days of scribbling your bucket list on post-it notes. You can now keep a digital list of places and establishments you love and want to visit in Maps. Just tap on the location name and then click Save to automatically add it to your List
- It’s a match! Maps also includes ratings to show how likely you are to enjoy a new spot with its Your Match feature. It decides on a score based on your preferences and interests to make sure it is a no-fail recommendation.
Never get lost offline
- No data? No problem. Maps is often used on mobile and thankfully, it has an offline modeso users can access directions and guides without relying so much on data. It also helps that you can save and download maps so you can still receive turn-by-turn guides wherever you are.
- Let others know about your location. Users can alsoshare real-time location with friends and family so they would keep updated on your whereabouts. To turn it on, just tap Share Location, choose who to share it with and they will get a link to notify them of your trip progress.
Master local roads and transportation
- Take control of your commute. Dreading the heavy city traffic? You can go to the Commute tab to get access to live updates on traffic, when best to leave the house, and receive transit information tailored to your route.
- Get to where you need to be fast. The app also supports multi-modal commute which suggests transportation alternatives–whether bus, taxi, or train–to reach destinations faster. Taking the LRT or MRT? It also shows the train schedule, expected passenger volume, and expected time of arrival to your destination.
More ways to explore the city
- Travel on your motorbike. Motorcycle users can find their way around the city with Google Maps’ motorbike mode. It pulls up accurate directions and travel time made for motorcycles so you can outsmart the heavy traffic.
- Find your next ride. The app is also working together with ride-sharing services such as Grab so you can arrange for pick-up and book rides directly from Maps.
- Discover new places with codes. Going to an unnamed street or searching for an unnumbered building? Maps also recognizes plus codes–a free, open source system developed by Google–so you can find or share an unknown address on the app.
Create your own experience
- Make your own Maps. Join a community of passionate travellers and fellow explorers by joining Local Guides. It has helped users discover a wide range of useful travel information from restaurant reviews to tourist spot recommendations. The program is also open to contributions where people can send in their own guides and earn exciting rewards.
- Add or correct information. Users can also edit any details such as adding a missing place or correcting business information by using the Report a Problem or Send Feedback tool in the app.
Bring your business on Maps
- Be seen online. Many local businesses have also been amping up their online presence by creating their own free websites through Google My Business. This also allows them to add and manage their business listings on Mapsto attract potential customers.
- Reach out to consumers. Businesses can also respond to reviews, answer questions, and add photos on their listing in Maps. Fun fact: businesses with pictures on their listings receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks than those who don’t.
Google Maps is available on the web and for download on Google Play and App Store. Check out this video and link for more information.