May 11, 2025, 7:05 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Many turn to Google Maps or Apple Maps for orientation–but these apps can do much more than just navigate. Some of their best features often go unnoticed. Knowing them can save time, nerves–and even help you find your car.
Google Maps and Apple Maps offer many features beyond navigation and location tracking. From offline maps to parking storage–these ten features could make a difference on your next trip.
Save Maps Offline
When traveling in areas with poor network coverage or abroad, both map services now allow you to save map areas for offline use. This was previously only possible with Google Maps, but Apple Maps now offers this feature as well.
After opening the app and tapping your profile picture (to the right of the search field), you can access the offline settings. Apple Maps typically requires about twice as much storage as Google Maps but provides more detailed views. Additionally, under “Offline Maps,” Apple allows you to set it to use only offline-stored data.
Share and Find Location
Google Maps allows you to share your real-time location with others using the “Location Sharing” feature–including your phone’s battery status. This feature not only helps you find someone when meeting up but also allows family members to provide remote assistance in emergencies. Location sharing also makes it possible to find a misplaced phone. On Android, this is done with the “Find My Device” feature, while Apple calls it “Find My.”
Read also: Huge update for Google Maps aims to completely change usage
Avoid Crowds by Checking Peak Times
Particularly useful in Google Maps: For many public places like museums, restaurants, or attractions, the app displays typical visiting times in a bar chart. This information allows you to plan a museum visit at your vacation spot to avoid the largest crowds.
Public Transit Information in Route Planner
Both services provide information on bus and train connections during navigation. To do this, select the train icon instead of the car icon during route planning in the app. You can also specifically choose the departure time or mode of transport.
Satellite Images with Extras
Both providers have improved their satellite and street views. Google Maps uses an AI system to produce clear images by filtering out weather effects like clouds. The provider relies on an AI model that enhances satellite images by removing clouds and fog.
Apple Maps also offers more. Since the beginning of the year, it’s possible to fly over more German cities in 3D, including Frankfurt am Main, Wiesbaden, and Mainz. This allows you to explore landscape details or campsites before your vacation.
Where Was the Car Again?
After a day in an unfamiliar city, it’s easy to lose track. In Google Maps, you can quickly mark your parking spot. To do this, tap the blue dot, which is your current location. This position can then be saved as “Parking Spot.”
In Apple Maps, this happens automatically if the iPhone was connected to Apple CarPlay when parking.
Navigate Confidently with Voice Commands
Instead of typing for a long time, Google Maps offers voice search. By tapping the microphone icon in the input field, you can search for more complex things more quickly and accurately. For example, with commands like: “Show me the best-rated restaurants in Cologne that serve burgers.”
Read also: Hidden iPhone map shows where you’ve been
Keep an Eye on Air Quality and Weather
Both Google Maps and Apple Maps now provide environmental data directly in the map view. Google offers information on air quality and wildfires as optional layers. Apple displays temperature and weather directly on the map.
Depending on the operating system and app version used, you may need to zoom in a bit until the display appears in the bottom right corner. On an iPhone, holding the symbol brings up the weather report, including air quality information.
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Measure Distances Manually
Whether for vacation planning or orientation, Google Maps allows you to calculate the distance between two points as the crow flies. To do this, place a marker on the map, tap “Measure Distance” at the bottom, and move the map until the crosshair is on the desired target point. Additional points can be added to include detours.
Cyclists Benefit from Additional Features
Both apps support bicycle navigation, including elevation profiles and adjusted estimated arrival times. For more demanding tours, however, there are alternatives like Komoot. This service specializes in planning bike tours and hikes and thrives on community feedback.
Komoot is free to use for one region; additional areas or premium features cost extra. OpenStreetMaps also offers extensive information on bike and hiking trails, including elevation profiles and trail conditions–free and ad-free.
With material from dpa