How to change the map view – Easy Steps

Google Maps offers several different views. For many users, the simplified map view is better when it comes to navigating, but additional overlays that provide more information can be just as helpful.

Map views in Google Maps

Google Maps offers a few different views for maps; default (simplified map view), satellite, and terrain. You can add layers for traffic, traffic, cycling, 3D, COVID-19 information, air quality, wildfires, and Street View to these maps. Here’s how you can change the map view on Google Maps.

Change the map view in Google Maps – Desktop

To change the map view in Google Maps on the desktop (in your internet browser), follow these steps.

1. Open Google Maps in the web browser.
2. In the lower left corner, click the Layers button.

3. Select More on the panel.
4. Choose the type of map.
5. Select an option under Map Details.
6. The map will be updated.

Change the map view in Google Maps – Mobile

To change the map view on Google Maps, follow these steps.

1. Abre Google Maps.
2. Tap the layers button in the upper right.
3. In the menu that opens, select a view: Default, Satellite, or Terrain.
4. In the Map Details section, enable any of the details options.
5. Return to the map and the view will update.

Data limitations

Google Maps will present the same options or some more in the map details. Some options, like traffic, will be available everywhere. For others, like wildfires and air quality, the information may not always be visible. You may see different options on the desktop than on the mobile apps. Google cannot collect the same level of information in all countries or it cannot obtain the information from a reliable source. In this case, it just won’t show the information.

Traffic information is almost always available, although its accuracy may vary. Google Maps can be fooled into thinking there is a traffic jam if there are multiple phones in the same location that are not moving. Similarly, if a country has low cell phone use or mobile internet coverage is poor, you may not know if there is a traffic jam or not.

conclusion

The default view in Google Maps is best for when you need to follow directions. The satellite view for many locations does not update frequently and is much more complicated to follow, as is the terrain view. That said, a lot of people use Google Maps for more than just navigation and the additional information can be helpful.