41 hidden Google Maps settings and features every power user should know

"After writing about Google Maps for nearly 15 years, I've learned firsthand that it's packed with hidden settings, menus, and toggles. Many help you fine-tune the app to your liking, while others unlock new features you probably didn't know existed."

"If you prefer to keep the map facing north, go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and turn on Keep map north up. If you prefer to steer clear of tolls, highways, or ferries, whether to save time and money or take the scenic route, you can tell Google Maps to avoid them by default."

"If you want to travel as efficiently as possible, tell Google Maps to suggest fuel-efficient routes by default, especially if arrival times are similar. Go to Profile icon > Settings > Navigation and turn on Prefer fuel-efficient routes."

Google Maps offers far more functionality than most users realize through hidden settings and features accessible in the app's menu system. Key customization options include keeping the map facing north for better orientation, avoiding tolls, highways, or ferries based on user preference, enabling fuel-efficient routing to save gas, and specifying vehicle type for optimized navigation. These settings are found primarily in the Profile icon menu under Settings and Navigation sections. Additional features improve battery life, accessibility, and privacy. The service provides power users with numerous toggles and menus to fine-tune the app according to individual needs and preferences, making it significantly more useful than basic point-to-point navigation.

Read at ZDNET