Google Maps: Secret Features

Even though almost everyone has used the Google Maps route planner once, there are many secret functions that you are probably not familiar with. We present the most helpful functions.

Google Maps app: save maps offline

If you don't want to waste your data volume on Google Maps on the go, you can save individual map sections in advance.

1. Select the desired area within the app. Be careful not to select an area that is not too large.
2. Tap the search bar at the top and select the "Save map for offline use" option at the bottom.
3. The desired area is then downloaded and is now available offline.

Show recommendations on Google Maps

1. Zoom into a certain place and just enter an asterisk (*) in the search line.
2. If you search for the asterisk, you will see all the recommendations from Google Maps.
3. These include cinemas, popular restaurants or sights.

Google Maps: Create your own maps

• With Google Maps you can not only use the world map, but also create your own maps.
• Mark points on a route, draw colored areas and share the map with friends, colleagues and family.
• You can find detailed instructions for creating your own Google Maps maps in the next practical tip.

Receive traffic jam information via Google Maps

• If you want to plan your route exactly, you should also include the traffic information from Google Maps.
• After specifying the day of the week and the time, Maps shows you in color which routes on your route will take a little longer and where you will get through well.
• You can find out more about this function in the practical tip Traffic: Traffic jam info via Google Maps.

Calculate the straight line in Google Maps

If you do not want to calculate a distance using the specified route, you can use the straight line.

1. Right-click on the desired starting point and select the "Measure distance" option.
2. Right-click on the target point and select the "Distance to map point" option.
3. You can now add more points or move the existing points.

Google Maps: Report wrong places

If Google Maps incorrectly set a point of interest, a restaurant or another facility, you can correct the location.

1. Click with the mouse on the entry in Google Maps and select the option "Propose change" on the left.
2. Place a checkmark next to "Marking on the map is incorrectly placed" and drag the arrow to the right place.
3. With the button "Send" your suggestion for the change is sent to Google and checked there. In the best case, the location will be corrected after a few days.

See the availability of Google Street View

• With Google Street View, streets from all over the world can be viewed from home. The service is already available in numerous countries.
• Thanks to the efforts of data protection experts, the service in Germany has hardly been expanded. The complete coverage of Street View in Germany and around the world can be found on this map.

In the next practical tip, we will show you 5 tips for using Google Maps efficiently.