Google Maps is a good tool whenever we go to an unfamiliar place or get lost on the way.

Do you know Google Maps provides many other features in addition to showing directions? And, these special features are not even equipped in Waze or Apple Maps! In this article, you will know the 8 hidden features of  Google Maps.

1. Download offline map

Before you travel outside, you could search the address of the place you are going on Google Maps, and then click "Download". After that, you can continue to use the navigation and route planning functions when there is no network!

2. Set multiple destinations at the same time

After setting the first destination, click the "three-dot symbol" in the top right corner. Then, select "Add stop" to continue filling in other destinations. After that, Google Maps will automatically help you plan all your routes and find the most time-saving route!

3. Save and sort frequently visited places

Sometimes, it would be difficult for us when the starting point is different or there are road closures and accidents. After saving frequently visited places in advance, you can easily find them when you search and you don’t need to fill in each word.

The classification function of Google Maps also allows you to sort multiple addresses that you save earlier.

4. Search nearby businesses

Google Maps can be used locally as well as abroad. Especially when you are traveling freely, if you are unfamiliar with the surrounding environment, as long as you use the "Explore Nearby" function, the map will help you to find the nearby restaurants, cafes, bars, ATMs, petrol stations, parking lots, and more. 

You can also directly check the business hours, ratings, and the time required to reach the destination!

5. Share location

It is extremely fearful when you could not find your travel mates especially when you are in a foreign country and the locals don’t understand your language or even English.

When you encountered this situation, you could open Google Maps and click the "Location Sharing" function. You can quickly send your current location to your travel mates through Whatsapp and other communication media to let them know your current location!!

6. Record parking location

Click the blue anchor point, and then select "Save your parking" to save the parking position. This function will also record your parking time, don't worry about forgetting to pay the parking fee!

7. View public transport schedule

Google Maps can also help you check all the public transport schedules. You need to enter the destination you want to go to, and then choose the mode of transportation such as buses, subways, light rail, trains, and others.

8. Keep travel memories

If you want to record all the places you have visited, you must know the function of "Your Timeline"!

This function could help you to check back to the places you have visited before. It could also enable album synchronization, record all photos taken locally, and help you keep all your travel memories!

Hopefully, you could use those features in the future and share it with your friends.