There is a feature in Google Maps that makes navigation much better, but is still used by almost no one. We show how it works.
Hidden Google Maps feature makes navigation better
Google Maps is one of the best navigation apps out there and thanks to its Map Layers feature, you can do more than just find the fastest route from A to B. Many people only use the feature to change the look of the app and ignore the options at the bottom. However, these options, called Map Data, have a lot to offer.
There are seven different layers you can choose from here, including: Public Transport, Traffic, Cycling, Street View, Air Quality, Wildfires and 3D Buildings. Each layer adds more detail to the map. For example, the Traffic option shows the main roads with current traffic, without having to enter a destination to see how busy the traffic is on your specific route.
The Ov option is useful when you travel by public transport. You will then see all the nearest train and bus stations at a glance. These are then displayed more clearly than the basic map, so that you no longer have to zoom in to see certain stations. The Cycling option is also a useful feature in Google Maps and shows you the best cycling routes in the area.
In addition to routes, there is also the Air Quality option, which can be a great help for people with breathing problems. You can also select the Street View option, which shows you exactly which roads support Street View mode. This can be useful if you want to explore an address or location from a different angle. We’ll show you how to use the Map Layers feature:
Open Google Maps
To find the Map Layers feature, first open the Google Maps app and then tap the Layers button in the top right corner.
Choose the desired layer
In the submenu you can select the desired map details from the list. You can only have one card active at a time. To exit the submenu, simply tap the top half of the screen.
Although Google Maps and Waze are both from Google, Waze is currently missing many of these map layers. Hopefully Google will at least add the Traffic option to Waze soon. When that happens, you read it immediately iPhoned. If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, sign up for our newsletter!
Download the iPhoned app
