Key takeaways
- Use Google Maps to avoid crowds and plan visits efficiently.
- Improve business visibility with Google Maps listing management.
- Enhance road safety through real-time accident reporting and hazard verification.
While it's undoubtedly great for navigation, Google Maps is a great resource with many broader uses that can help you get from point A to point B. Here are five creative and practical ways I've used Google Maps to improve my work and lifestyle.
1 Explore the places to avoid crowds and disturbances
I like to avoid crowds whenever possible, and if you're like me and are thinking about going shopping or visiting somewhere interesting, it's worth checking Google Maps first. With real-time data and user contributions, you can explore popular places and locations to see when they're likely to be busiest.
Whenever you're looking for a quieter time to visit, tapping on the 'busy area' sign will bring up a chart telling you the most popular times of day for a place. The information also includes a guide to surrounding shops and entertainment areas, and tells you when the roads are busiest, saving you time and frustration, especially during peak hours or holiday seasons.
2 Improve your business presence
Almost all businesses require an online presence nowadays, and Google Maps can play an integral role in improving your visibility. By claiming and updating your My Business listing with Google, you can ensure your business appears on the map when potential customers search for products or services like yours.
With your Google Maps My Business listing, you can view your business hours, post updates, and even highlight special promotions. Reviews are also an important part of your business's success, and Google Maps allows customers to write positive reviews, which are then displayed on your listing. When I was a small business owner, positive reviews helped drive traffic, and by responding to reviews, I was able to show potential customers that I cared about their experience.
3 Report accidents and dangers on the road
Although I find it's not as efficient as Waze in terms of traffic updates, Google Maps is still a valuable safety resource when you're on the road. If I'm driving and encounter an accident, hazard or traffic jam, I tap the “Report” icon to report it directly on the app. By doing so, I help others avoid the same delays or risks. If enough people report the same issue, Google will update its traffic information in real time, so the entire community benefits.
You can also view live updates about road safety, road closures, and even speed traps on Google Maps. This feature can help you plan your route to avoid accidents or dangerous conditions, making your trip safer and more efficient. This saved me a lot of time by avoiding hazards and traffic jams.
4 Explore real estate listing sites
If you're house hunting or just curious about properties for sale or rent in a specific area, Google Maps can help you get a better idea of the location and neighborhood. Instead of relying on static photos or descriptions in real estate listings, you can take a virtual tour of the area using Street View. This allows you to see not only the property but also the surrounding streets, parks, schools and other essential amenities.
You can also use Google Maps to check emergency services, traffic conditions and proximity to public transport hubs, giving you a more comprehensive view of the area. This can be especially useful if you are moving to a new city or looking for a home in an unfamiliar location.
5 Stay informed about weather warnings and natural disasters
Google Maps isn't just for navigating the physical world; It's also great for keeping track of what's happening in your environment. If you're traveling to a new area or live in an area prone to severe weather, as I do, Google Maps can help you stay informed about weather conditions and natural disasters. For example, in the event of a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, you can tap the “Crisis” icon in Google Maps to get live updates, evacuation routes, and emergency shelters.
Additionally, weather layers can provide real-time weather data, such as storm warnings, temperature, and precipitation levels, making it easier to prepare for changing conditions. This feature is especially useful when you need to make quick decisions about your route or destination.
Even as an iOS user, Google Maps remains one of my favorite apps, and it offers much more than just directions. Whether you're trying to avoid crowds, find your perfect home, boost your business, or stay informed about the weather, the free Google app can dramatically improve your lifestyle and provide convenience and security at your fingertips.