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7 lesser-known Google Maps features

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Android Maps Screenshot

Hover over the Layers panel (bottom right), then click CyclingThe map will then adjust the way routes are marked for cyclists, with different types of lines for trails, dedicated bike lanes, bike-friendly paths and unpaved trails.

Add your own locations

There are some places that may be personal to you (the picnic area, the usual parking spot, the park bench, a friend’s house) that aren’t publicly marked on Google Maps. If they aren’t marked, it’s harder to get to them when you’re searching or navigating.

You can work around this by creating your own place: long press on a place in the mobile app to drop a pin, then open the info card and choose Add tagThese tags then appear in search results as flags on the map and in saved places.

Remember where you parked

Never lose your parking spot again.

Courtesy of David Nield

There’s no need to waste time looking for your car after a long day. Google Maps can remember it for you. When you’re done parking, tap the blue dot on the map in the mobile app, then choose Save on parking from the panel that appears.

When it’s time to return, simply search for “parking” in the app to see the tag created. You can also scroll around the map to find the “parked here” flag – tap it and you’ll be able to get directions to the exact spot.

Report a road accident

Help other Google Maps users by reporting accidents you encounter on your travels: If you’re in navigation mode in the mobile app, tap the icon on the right (a plus symbol inside a search bubble), then choose one of the listed options.

These options actually vary by country, but you should see Crash as one of them. (Roadworks, congestion, and stalled vehicles are also sometimes listed.) If Google Maps gets enough of these individual reports, a warning will appear on the map for all of them.

Answer questions about places

Ask questions to help other Google Maps users.

Courtesy of David Nield

The social and community aspects of Google Maps tend to be overlooked, but you can find them through Contribute tab in the mobile app. Tap Contribute now and you’ll be able to answer some simple yes or no questions about places you’ve recently visited.

Maps will ask you about the location’s opening hours, whether it has valet parking, accessible entrances, etc. Remember, one day you might be grateful that someone else made contributions like this, because they’ve helped you on your own travels.

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