A valuable new feature is now available for users of Google Maps, allowing them to save the places they search to organised lists. Offered to beta users from last summer, the function adds a more social dimension to the popular app. The real beauty of this is the additional features which enable users to share their lists with others and to access them while they are offline.
The facility to search and navigate Google Maps in offline mode was first introduced in May 2015 and rolled out in November of that year on desktop, Android and iOS platforms. Enabling offline access was invaluable, preventing the difficulty that could arise if a driver were to travel through an area with poor or no internet access, but this new capability elevates the feature to a new level of usefulness. While Google has provided several list options, such as ‘Favourites’, ‘Starred places’ or ‘Want to go’, users can create their own lists and give them more specific and appropriate names. Once a list has been created, it’s easy to share it with anyone who might want to view it, via a wide variety of routes, including email, text, messaging apps and social networking sites, to name a few.
To access this new feature, simply follow these steps:
- Search for a place
- When the map appears, tap on the name of the place
- Click the save icon to generate a list of save options
- Save to one of the pre-set lists, or …
- Select + New list and name the newly created list before saving the location
This intuitive process couldn’t be easier to use and the sharing facility is in the same vein:
- Tap the share button
- Send the link to those who need it via your preferred route
- Once the other person has received the link, they click ‘follow’
As well as being a time-saving addition for every Google Maps user, there’s no doubt that this facility will prove invaluable for visitors travelling to other areas when weddings, conferences or other trips become necessary. Keep your Google Maps app updated to ensure you can access this unmissable facility.
