Google Maps has changed the way we travel the world. Its mobile and desktop and have become not just a way to get from point A to B via public transportation, car, or on foot. The ubiquitous Google service is also a geospatial search engine for the world around us.

Google keeps on improving and revamping its map product with features like commuter options and augmented reality, but there are a ton of hidden functions and customizable tools already baked into Google Maps that you may not know about, like Incognito Mode.
Here are some of the tips for how to maximize your Google Maps skills.

Customize Your Vehicle Icon

Google lets you select what car icon appear on your navigation in the Android and iOS apps. Tap the icon that shows your current location and a pop-up menu will appear with several car icon options: a pickup truck, a sedan, or an SUV.

‘Hey Google, Where Am I Going?’

Do you want to interact with the Maps without taking your eyes off the road? Google voice commands in the Google Maps lets you do this. For example, if you notice you’re running low on gas, say “OK Google, find gas stations” and it will show gas stations on the map. You can also ask for things like “What’s my next turn,” “what’s my ETA,” or “How’s traffic ahead?”

Access Google Maps Offline

Sometime you travel in an area with no internet access. Google Maps supports offline access. Navigate to the area you’d like to access while offline. Swipe left on the menu at the bottom of the screen and tap Download to download that map.

Change Directions Around by Drag and Drop

You can navigate to certain location with drag and drop on the desktop version of the map. Just click and drag any part of your direction route to move around (this only works with directions for walking, driving, or biking—it won’t work with any mass transit options).

Find Directions With a Single Click

You can type in your destination address. Or right-click where you’re going on the map and it will prompt a pull-down list, which you can use to find directions to or from that location.

Remember Where You Parked

Tap the blue location dot and select Save your parking, which will add a label to the Maps app, identifying where you parked your vehicle.

Go Incognito

If you want a quick way to poke around Google Maps without leaving any obvious footprints, go incognito.

Share Your Location

Google Maps allows you to share your current location with people for specific periods of time. If you share your location with a specific contact, they’ll see your icon moving in real time on their map.

Add Music

If you’ve always got Google Maps navigation open while you’re driving (or walking), you can add music to your trip without leaving the app. Sync music apps such as Spotify or Apple Music by opening the menu