While it’s undeniably great for navigation, Google Maps is a fantastic resource with many broader uses that can help you beyond getting from A to B. There are five creative and practical ways that I have used Google Maps to improve my work and lifestyle.

1Explore Venues to Avoid Crowds and Inconveniences

I like to avoid crowds whenever possible, and if you’re like me and are considering going shopping or visiting a place of interest, it’s well worth checking Google Maps first. Thanks to real-time data and user contributions, you can explore popular venues and locations to see when they will likely be busiest.

Whenever you’re looking for a quieter time to visit, tapping on the “Busy area” label will bring up a chart that tells you a place’s most popular times of day. The information also includes a directory of surrounding shops and recreational areas and tells you when roads are most congested, saving you time and frustration, especially during peak hours or holiday seasons.

Google Maps showing the busy status of local restaurants.

2Improve Your Business Presence

Almost all businesses require an online presence nowadays, and Google Maps can play an essential role in enhancing your visibility. By claiming and updating your “My Business” listing with Google, you can ensure that your business appears on the map when potential customers search for products or services like yours.

With a Google Maps My Business listing, you can showcase your hours of operation, post updates, and even highlight special promotions. Reviews are also a crucial part of your business’s success, and Google Mapsallows customers to craft positive reviews, which are then displayed on your listing. When I was a small business owner, positive reviews helped increase traffic, and by responding to reviews, I could show potential customers that I cared about their experience.

Using Google Maps for business promotion.

3Report Accidents and Hazards on the Road

While I find it’snot as effective as Waze for traffic updates, Google Maps is still a valuable resource for safety whenever you’re on the road. If I’m driving and encounter an accident, hazard, or traffic jam, I tap the “Report” icon to report it directly on the app. By doing this, I’m helping others avoid the same delays or dangers. If enough people report the same issue, Google will update its traffic information in real-time, so the entire community benefits.

you’re able to also view live updates on road safety, road closures, and even speed traps on Google Maps. This feature can help you plan your route to avoid accidents or dangerous conditions, making your trip safer and more efficient. It has often saved me considerable time by avoiding hazards and traffic jams.

Google Maps showing a fire warning with reporting options.

4Explore Property Listing Locations

If you’re house-hunting or just curious about properties for sale or rent in a particular area, Google Maps can help you get a better sense of the location and neighborhood. Rather than relying on static photos or descriptions in property listings, you’re able to virtually tour the area using Street View. This allows you to see not just the property but also the surrounding streets, parks, schools, and other essential amenities.

you may also use Google Maps to check out emergency services, traffic conditions, and proximity to public transport hubs, giving you a more comprehensive view of the area. This can be especially useful if you’re moving to a new city or searching for a home in an unfamiliar location.

5Keep Abreast of Weather Warnings and Natural Disasters

Google Maps isn’t just for navigating the physical world; it’s also great for keeping track of what’s happening in your environment. If you’re traveling to a new area or living in a region prone to severe weather, as I do, Google Maps can help you stay informed about weather conditions and natural disasters. For instance, in a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, you can tap the “Crisis” icon in Google Maps for live updates, evacuation routes, and emergency shelters.

Additionally, weather layers can provide real-time weather data, such as storm warnings, temperature, and precipitation levels, making it easier to prepare for changing conditions. This feature is especially beneficial when you need to make quick decisions about your route or destination.

Even as an iOS user, Google Maps remains one of my favorite apps, and it offers so much more than just directions. Whether trying to avoid a crowd, find your ideal home, boost your business, or stay informed about weather conditions, Google’s free app can greatly improve your lifestyle and offers convenience and security at your fingertips.