Google Maps

What is Google Maps?

Google Maps is a GPS navigational app for Android and iOS devices loaded with easily accessible area information. Not only can Google Maps provide directions but it can quickly show users area gas stations, restaurants and retail outlets, replete with reviews and customer ratings.

Users can input a location to receive directions, either voice-guided or mapped, and choose from one of multiple offered routes. Free to download and use and rated everyone, Google Maps put all the information a traveler could want right at their fingertips.

When users open the Google Maps app a map appears with their current location marked with a blue dot and a search bar at the bottom where they can input a specific address or search by destination name.

Google Maps is especially convenient when traveling, as a simple tap of the search bar pulls up multiple categories of search options: food, drinks, shopping, travel, services, fun, health and transportation.

Main categories will provide subcategories to further refine search results such as fast food, groceries, coffee shops and bars, or categories of services being searched for (banks, ATMs, postal services, etc.). 

Users can opt to search by “most popular” in each category, which uses customer ratings and reviews to compile a list of the highest reviewed locations in the area being searched.

Directions are obviously the most used aspect of the Google Maps app, allowing users to search by a specific address or place name.

Once a user pulls up the location they wish to have directions for, they are given multiple route options (whether driving, using public transportation or walking), each clearly denoting the travel time, whether or not tolls are involved, and whether major highways or back roads are included. 

Users can also input driving options to include or exclude tolls and highways to further refine directions.

As Google Maps functions in real time, users are able to see areas of moderate to heavy traffic denoted on their route, and options to reroute to avoid traffic congestion will pop up throughout the drive if applicable.

Perhaps the greatest driving feature is the ability to see expected arrival time in real time letting users know a pretty accurate driving time and time of arrival.