Tech & Auto
Game Changing Google Maps Features Every User Will Wish They Knew About Sooner
By JACK FILSINGER
Time Travel
The Time Travel feature on Street View allows you to see what a location might have looked like a few months or years ago.
On Android or iOS devices, enter Street View and tap anywhere on the image to find more information. Additional photos will show how a location has changed over time.
Parking
To remember where you left your car and how to get there, open Google Maps when you park. Hold the blue location dot that signifies your current location and Save Parking.
When returning to your car, you can reopen the app and retrace your steps. On Android devices, you can even add notes or a picture of where you parked if you want.
Last Train
Anyone using the train or subway will find this feature invaluable: Google Maps allows you to check when the last train or subway is on a particular route.
Open Google Maps, enter your desired route via train, select your route, and click on the tab that says Last. Once you've done that, you can see what time the last train departs.
One-Handed Use
Google Maps has a way to use just one hand to adjust your map in any way you need to, which can save a lot of frustration when adjusting your commute on the fly.
Double tap with one thumb to automatically and quickly zoom in, and by holding the second tap down, you can control the zoom and get a quick bird's eye view.
Measure Distance
A must-know for hikers or anybody who tends to go a bit off-road at times. Google Maps allows you to manually measure the distance between two points.
Drop a pin somewhere on the map that represents either point A or point B, then scroll down to the Measure Distance button. A small X will appear; move it to the other point.