Archive · 12 Jun 2025
8 Google Maps Features You Didn't Know Existed
Google Maps is like a super smart guide on your phone.
It does more than just show you the way.
You can ask it things like "where can I get ice cream?"
and it will help you find it.
You can even use your camera to learn about what's around you!
It can also show you what your route looks like before you go and help you plan when to leave.
Plus, it helps you find the last train home and even remembers where you parked your car!
Google Maps offers advanced features beyond basic navigation, enhanced by AI.
Users can use voice or text to search for places and activities.
The Lens in Maps feature lets users explore surroundings with their camera.
Immersive View for Routes provides a preview of routes in select cities.
Google Maps can help plan trips, find crowded times, and locate parking.
- Who
- The features are for anyone who uses Google Maps.
- What
- Google Maps offers lesser-known features beyond navigation, enhanced by AI, including smart search, the Lens feature, Immersive View for Routes, and trip planning tools.
- When
- The features are available now with some in development.
- Where
- These features are available globally, but some have limited availability in certain cities or regions.
- Why
- To enhance user experience and provide more comprehensive navigation and information.
- Smart Search
- Allows voice or text queries for places and activities
- Lens in Maps
- Uses camera to identify locations
- Immersive View for Routes
- Provides a preview of routes
- Crowd Monitoring
- Shows how crowded places are
- Trip Planning
- Suggests the best time to leave
- Time Machine
- See how places looked in the past
- Parking
- Save parking location