If you are a fan of outdoor activities like hiking and mountaineering, you are probably familiar with using maps and GPS to plan and execute your excursions. However, nowadays most people carry a smartphone in their pocket, which means they have access to a powerful and convenient tool for navigating through nature: Google Maps.
Google Maps has become the go-to GPS option for outdoor enthusiasts searching for a comprehensive and user-friendly application on their smartphone. Apart from allowing you to plan routes and view maps of any location on the planet, the app also includes specific features that make it an especially valuable choice for nature lovers.
Whether you are exploring remote trails or trekking through the wilderness, Google Maps provides a range of tools that can help you navigate through nature with greater ease and safety.
Turn on these Google Maps features
If you’re an experienced hiker or mountaineer, you may already be aware of the wealth of options hidden within the Google Maps application. However, for those who are unfamiliar with these features, we’ve compiled a list of the most useful ones to help you get the most out of your outdoor adventures. Keep reading to discover the tools that will enhance your hiking and mountaineering experiences.
Download offline maps
If you’re planning to hike in a remote area where there’s no internet signal, Google Maps has a handy feature that allows you to download maps of specific areas for offline use. By downloading the maps before you leave, you’ll be able to access them on your smartphone even without an internet connection. To take advantage of this feature, simply follow these steps:
- Open Google Maps on your mobile.
- Tap on your profile photo in the upper right area.
- Click on the “Offline Maps” option.
- Go to “Select your own map”.
- Indicate the area and download it.
Pre-plot routes
For hikers and mountaineers, one of the most valuable features of Google Maps is the ability to create customized routes. By adding location markers and adjusting the route according to your preferences, you can plan a detailed hiking itinerary before you even leave home. This is especially helpful when exploring unfamiliar territory. To create your custom route using Google Maps, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Maps application on your smartphone.
- Click on the “Addresses” icon (arrow-shaped) at the bottom of the screen.
- Select a starting point and origin.
- Click on the “Route Options” button and select the “Add stop” option to add intermediate stops on the route.
- Once you have configured all the details of your route, click on the “Done” button to see the route on the map.
Use the terrain or satellite view
If you’re a hiker or mountaineer, you’ll find the terrain view feature in Google Maps to be incredibly helpful. This option allows you to visualize the topography of the area you’re exploring, which can be useful for planning your route and getting a better sense of the terrain.
Additionally, Google Maps offers a satellite view that enables you to view the landscape and vegetation in detail, making it ideal for exploring unique terrain features or gaining a better understanding of the environment you’re navigating.
Share your location
If you’re planning a group hiking trip with friends or family, Google Maps’ “Location Sharing” feature can come in handy. By sharing your location in real-time, your companions can track your progress and know exactly where you are on the trail. This can be particularly useful in case someone gets separated from the group or if you’re hiking in a remote area with limited cell phone coverage. To start using the Location Sharing feature, simply follow these steps:
- Open Google Maps on your mobile.
- Tap on your profile icon.
- Select “Share location”.
- Indicate the time you want to share your location, as well as the users with whom you want to share it.