How to make most out of new Google Maps?

Google recently unveiled a huge makeover to its Google Maps. Currently available in beta mode, it lets you discover changes in its interface and improved accessibility. You’ll find some changes in the form of search inputs and queries. Unlike the older version of Google Maps, it has a bunch of new and improved functionality such as advanced filters for search queries of locations.

If you haven't really fired up http://maps.google.com in your browser yet, we'll save you from the trouble.So here are some features which Google has updated on its Google maps.

• Search on the new Google Maps

Let’s say you’re looking for  coffee shops near Delhi railway station, you can use the term “near” in your search query. Therefore, the most appropriate search query would be “coffee near Delhi railway station”. In the results you’ll be shown all the coffee shops located around New Delhi railway station.

• Instantly share URLs

Whenever you want to share the URL of a particular map, all you have to do is click a button called “link” on the older version of Google Maps. The new Google Maps will allow you to always have a permalink of  any place you search for. Whenever you search for any location, you‘ll find its URL present inside the address bar, ready to be retrieved and shared instantly with your friends instantly.

• View all available information for a location at once

Say you have a friend’s wedding in Kolkata and you want to tour the place while there. Once you’ve entered the city name in the search field, related imagery for the place will automatically show up. All you need to do is simply click on any location on the map and explore the area with the help of photo tours that will appear below the search box. Earth view can be accessed at the bottom-left corner on the new interface of Google Maps.

• Zoom in as you please

If you think pinching the screen is the only way to zoom in and out of Google Maps, you’re not well acquainted with all of its capabilities, because in addition to this, you can also double-tap your screen, hold, and then scroll up and down to zoom in and out. 

• Get offline Google Maps

 Google has included offline maps in its new version for example if there are particular locations on Google Maps that you’re fond of, you don’t need to be online and connected to access them each time. You can simply make them appear offline for later use. While you’re online, go to the Google Maps application on your phone and open the map. In the search box, you’ll find search suggestions for recently accessed places. Select “Make this map area available offline” and you’re done..

• Start using turn-by-turn navigation instantly

To enable GPS support for turn-by-turn navigation, you don’t have to get into your mobile settings. Google Maps now gives you this option right inside your application. Just select your current location and desired destination. You’ll find the transportation icon at the bottom-right corner of your Google Maps application. Taping this will automatically execute voice guided turn-by-turn GPS navigation.

• Explore local businesses

In case you’re looking for a particular place or a category of different places to eat, drink, shop tap the search box to find a card called “Explore” in order to start exploring places in the categories of your choice, viz Eat, Drink, Shop,Sleep. Through Explore, you’ll be able to find relevant places tagged within the area of your choice located in that particular category with ratings out of five stars and reviews as well thanks to the new Zagat integration.

• Access Street View

Similar to Google Maps on  desktops/laptops, there’s  no longer an option on mobile devices to access Street View as soon as search results show up. If you want Street View of a particular location on Google Maps, simply press and hold on the map to drop a pin. This will render an info sheet, which lets you access the Street View option.