5 Google Maps tips and tricks

By now most people know their way around their map and navigation software by heart. But there may be several helpful features you didn't even know exist. Here are five tips and tricks to help you master Google Maps. If you want to cut down on data usage or don't want to be stuck without navigation with no cell service, you can actually download maps for specific locations for offline use. Open Google Map and tap the hamburger button in the upper left corner and select Offline Areas. Tap Custom Area and drive the map to the area you want to download, pinching to include more or less of the map and tap Download. Just be aware that these map downloads are usually in excess of 100 megabytes so makes sure you have the storage space available and you may want to do it over WiFi. If you prefer to do your navigation planning from a computer, you can easily send directions to your phone. Make sure you're signed into the correct Google account and search for a location in the web version of Google maps. Once a place or route is selected, an option to send to your phone will be visible beneath the listing. When you click this button, a drop down menu with all connected phones, as well as email and text will appear. Choose your preferred method of sharing directions and they will be pushed to your device. Google Maps is most used for searching for and navigating to new and unknown places but it can also be used to see all the places you've been. In Google Maps on an Android phone or on the web hit the hamburger button and select your timeline. You can see, with a creepy accuracy, all the places you've been and how long you were in each location on any given day. Now, you can finally use this to find the name of that store you went to and forgot the name of. If you wanna see a list of all the places you've visited, open the side menu once more, tap your places and open the visited tab. You will see a list of all the places you visited, and how long it's been since you were there last. It's no secret that you can search transit directions using Google Maps. But if you want to see a list of train and bus departures from a certain location, search for directions to a location, select transit as a mode of transportation and tap on one of the cards to expand it. If you tap on the transit listing in the route view you can see a full list of departure times. If you need a ride somewhere you can now order an Uber right from within Google Maps. With the latest update you don't even need to have the Uber app installed on your phone. When you search for directions select the ride service tab. The location of current Uber cars in the area will appear in real time on the map and you'll get a summary of the fare estimates at the bottom. Select one and confirm the pickup location to request an Uber, all without leaving Google Maps. For more on Google Maps and other tips and tricks, check our CNET.com/howto