How to Get Google Maps to Show Alternate Routes
Option 1: Using the Street View Map
Google Maps offers an alternative route to the standard map view. To access this feature, follow these steps:
- Open Google Maps on your device
- Tap the Street View button (magnifying glass icon) in the top right corner of the screen
- Select the area you want to explore, or click on a street to view it in Street View mode
- Tap the Manual mode button (gear icon) to enable manual navigation
- Use the Snap feature to view alternate routes
- Tap the History button (tree icon) to view a list of alternate routes you’ve taken
How to Create an Alternate Route
To create an alternate route, follow these steps:
- Open Google Maps and enter the starting and ending points
- Tap the Search button ( magnifying glass icon) and type in the alternative route
- Select the route from the search results
- Tap the Google Maps button ( Globe icon) to open the Google Maps app on your device
- Tap the Layer button (layers icon) to view an overview of the route
- Tap the Points button ( small circle icon) to view the individual points along the route
- Use the Navigation button (compass icon) to view the route on the map
Creating a Route on Your Own
If you prefer to create a route from scratch, follow these steps:
- Open Google Maps and enter the starting point
- Tap the Search button ( magnifying glass icon) and type in the alternative route
- Select the route from the search results
- Tap the Google Maps button ( Globe icon) to open the Google Maps app on your device
- Tap the Layer button (layers icon) to view an overview of the route
- Tap the Points button ( small circle icon) to view the individual points along the route
- Use the Navigation button (compass icon) to view the route on the map
- To add a route, tap the Add button (arrow icon) and enter the points along the route
- Tap the Google Maps button ( Globe icon) to save the route
Tips and Tricks
- To view a route in its entirety, tap the Layer button (layers icon) and then tap the All button (all buttons icon)
- To add multiple points to a route, tap the Add button (arrow icon) and enter the points one by one
- To zoom in or out of a route, tap and hold on the map while zooming in or out
- To save a route as a custom route, tap the Layer button (layers icon) and then tap the Saved routes button (cloud icon)
Using the Google Maps Apps
Google Maps offers several apps that allow you to create and manage your routes. The most popular of these is the Google Maps app for Android and iOS devices.
- Open the Google Maps app and tap the Layers button (layers icon) to view an overview of the route
- Tap the Points button ( small circle icon) to view the individual points along the route
- Use the Navigation button (compass icon) to view the route on the map
- To add a route, tap the Add button (arrow icon) and enter the points along the route
- To save a route, tap the Save button (cloud icon) and enter the route name and description
Alternative Route Options
Google Maps offers several options for alternative routes, including:
- Alternate route: Create a route that takes you to a different destination
- Radial route: Create a route that follows a series of radial arcs
- Circumnav route: Create a route that goes around a particular area or obstacle
Integration with Other Google Services
Google Maps integrates with other Google services, including Google Earth and Google Analytics. These services allow you to view additional information about your route, such as points of interest and traffic.
- To view points of interest along a route, tap the Details button (pill mark icon) while viewing the route on the map
- To view traffic information along a route, tap the Traffic button (speedometer icon) while viewing the route on the map
- To view additional information about a point of interest along a route, tap the Info button (information icon) while viewing the point of interest
Conclusion
Getting Google Maps to show alternate routes is a relatively simple process that can be accessed through various options, including the Street View map, manual navigation, and the Google Maps app. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create and view alternate routes to help you plan your trips more efficiently.