Google Maps is a popular navigation map that billions of users worldwide employ for personal and business use. This map is free, reliable, and easy to use; it also helps you get to your destination quickly.
Utilizing Google maps to get to your destination requires planning ahead of time. More importantly, knowing how to plan a route on Google Maps is vital, especially if you are a business owner.
Do you face the challenge of not knowing how to plan a route on Google Maps? If you answer yes, this guide is for you as it provides a step-by-step guide on how to do so effectively. Furthermore, it will discuss tips to consider while using Google Maps.
5 Steps on How To Plan a Route on Google Maps
Knowing how to plan a route on Google Maps can make your travel experience more efficient and enjoyable. You can plan the best route to avoid traffic congestion and potential road hazards through Google Maps services. To plan a route on Google Maps without stress, here are five (5) steps you should follow.
Step 1 To Plan a Route on Google Maps: Launch the App
Launching the app is the first step when planning a route on Google Maps. You can download and install it from Google Play Store or Apple app store. Also, you can visit the official Google Maps website if you’re using a PC.
Step 2 To Plan a Route on Google Maps: Input Your Current Location and Potential Destination
The next step is to enter your starting and destination addresses on Google Maps. You can do this by clicking the “Directions” button on the Google Maps screen. Usually, when you plan a route on Google Maps, it uses your current location as the starting location. However, if you want to change your current location, you can manually input it.
When inputting your destination address, there are two ways to modify it. The first way is by typing your destination in the search bar. Google will use its prediction algorithm and offer suggestions based on your current geolocation and previous search history.
The second way is to select your destination from recent addresses. This alternate way is recommendable if you are a frequent Google Maps user to avoid inputting destination addresses manually.
Step 3 To Plan a Route on Google Maps: Select Your Mode of Transportation
Google Maps features multiple transportation modes to ensure you get the best route and expected arrival time to reach your destination. So, after inputting your potential destination address, you can select from driving, walking, cycling, and public transit.
As you plan a route on Google Maps, ensure you choose the transportation mode available for your journey. This will help the navigation app provide an accurate arrival time.
Step 4 To Plan a Route on Google Maps: View Your Routes
Viewing your route is the fourth step to plan a route on Google Maps. It displays your route via a satellite image, which shows the terrain, traffic updates, and other necessary features. It also provides a list of directions to get to your routes, including their approximate distance.
If you want to modify your routes at any time, you can drag your stop symbol to a new location. Suppose you must stop along the way to your final destination. In that case, you can do so by clicking the “Add destination” button. Google Maps allow you to add up to ten stops along your destination route.
Step 5 To Plan a Route on Google Maps: Begin Your Journey With “Get Directions”
Now you are all set to go on your journey. If you are okay with your route, starting and ending locations, and your transportation mode, click “Get directions.” This will help you get step-by-step guides to your destination.
4 Tips To Consider When You Plan a Route on Google Maps
Overall, Google Maps is an excellent navigation tool that provides top-notch directions when planning routes. However, when using its route planning features, there are a few pointers to keep in mind to make your journey worthwhile. Here are 4 tips to consider when you plan a route on Google Maps.
- Plan Ahead
Journeying can be a delightful experience if you make adequate preparations before hitting the road. Hence, if you want to plan a route on Google Maps, you should prepare for your journey ahead of time. Your adequate preparation will ensure you spend your time wisely and have an enjoyable navigation experience.
- Utilize Real-time Traffic Data
Checking traffic data in real-time is beneficial when using Google Maps. It ensures you reach your final destination quickly. You can discover this feature by selecting “Satellite view” when planning your route. It will provide traffic updates and certain road features that can slow you down.
- Optimize Your Multiple Stops
Perhaps you are a delivery driver trying to deliver items to several customers along your route; you must optimize your multiple stops. Thus, when you plan a route on Google Maps, you must get the most efficient route to fit all your stops. Doing this will ultimately help you to save time and resources. Google Maps includes “Multiple destinations” in its app, which helps optimize routes. Remember, you can only add up to ten stops on this navigation app.
- Take Breaks in Your Journey
An essential part of any journey is taking breaks. It helps you to remain focused and alert. You can take advantage of restaurants, restrooms, and gas stations along your destination route, which Google Maps displays on the map screen. During breaks, ensure your vehicle is in good working condition to avoid any hiccups during the rest of your journey.
Plan a Route on Google Maps: Perks and Drawbacks
Google Maps helps reach various destinations around the world. However, while it has many upsides, it has its fair share of drawbacks. Without further ado, let’s look at the perks when you plan a route on Google maps.
Perks of Planning a Route on Google Maps
Planning a route on Google Maps has several advantages. It can save you time, help you avoid traffic, and make your journey more interesting and convenient. Here are some perks that come with planning a route via this app.
- Free To Use
Google Maps is free to use for all mobile users. Thus, you can plan a route on Google Maps without incurring extra charges. Also, you can plan as many routes as possible on it and enjoy a reliable navigation experience.
- Multiple Transportation Modes
Google Maps is flexible in providing multiple transportation modes in addition to driving. You can plan your routes via cycling, walking, or public transportation. The map includes the necessary information before you hit the road with your transportation mode.
- Real-Time Traffic Update
It provides users with traffic data in real-time. When you plan a route on Google Maps, heavily congested areas will show bright red colors. If the traffic is slow, it is orange and blue when the road is free. This visual aid is helpful for drivers and road users to get reliable traffic information about their destination route.
- Street View and Offline Maps
In making your navigation experience more exciting, Google Maps provides a street view. This provides a real-time 3D view of your directions. This feature is helpful, especially when unfamiliar with the route; it helps you identify landmark locations to keep you on track.
Another perk is the offline map, which is especially helpful in areas without an internet connection. You can download the specific map route on your mobile device and use it for navigation.
Downsides of Planning a Route on Google Maps
Google Maps is not without its drawbacks. Consider a few downsides if you want to plan a route on Google Maps.
- Lack of Route Optimization
While Google Maps is an efficient route planner, it lacks route optimization, which helps find the fastest routes. Consequently, you’ll need to consider other route optimization apps.
- User Privacy
Google is under scrutinizing regarding how it gathers and monetizes user data in all its services. Thus, many users do not trust Google or its navigation services. As a result, they consider Google Maps alternatives such as Waze, Apple Maps, and MapQuest.
- Limited Number of Stops
Another downside to using Google Maps is its limited number of stops. When you plan a route on Google Maps, you can only add a maximum of ten stops. Usually, this is not enough, especially if you are a large delivery company. Consequently, you may need the services of other free route planners with unlimited stops if you have multiple stops to make.
Closing Thoughts: Get the Best Route Planning With Mapize
There you go! This post has provided a step-by-step guide on ways to plan a route on Google Maps efficiently. It also discussed tips to consider to ensure this navigation map plans your route efficiently. It is also important to note that despite being a practical route planner, Google Maps has its weaknesses.
Ultimately, it would be best to consider Mapize — a powerful mapping platform that can create custom maps with multiple locations and plan your routes efficiently and accurately. You can design online maps without coding experience and have access to several customization options.
You can easily plan your route more seamlessly via Mapize than using other conventional navigation apps. Get started with Mapize today, and create your first map.
