11 lesser-known Google Maps features that are perfect for photographers.

A map in your pocket can certainly take you to many places. But it would be a shame if we didn't take full advantage of the many noteworthy features of Google Maps . Photography enthusiasts consider it a great location-finding tool.

 

The combination of satellite view, community-contributed images, data, and Street View transforms it into a tool that aids pre-capture decisions. Along the way, people are beginning to see Maps as a photographer, not just an everyday commuter. Here are a few features that photographers commonly use.

1. Satellite view for an aerial perspective.

 

Satellite view eliminates urban distractions and allows you to see the world in its shapes, textures, and lines. Intersections become vantage points, buildings form a grid, and bodies of water evoke reflective surfaces. How you use this feature will depend on your imagination.

Look for curves, intersections, and naturally converging roads that guide the viewer's eye through the frame. You can save these locations on Google Maps and find compositional ideas. Highways and overpasses are also great locations for long-exposure shots.

2. Parks and green spaces hidden within urban forests.

Taking photos of nature doesn't always require traveling far.

 

Google Maps makes it easy to spot green spaces nestled between buildings. These spaces often offer a tranquil setting, a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Many people regularly discover small parks and tree-lined paths they would never have noticed during their normal commutes. These have become reliable backup locations when time or weather limits their options.

3. Business information helps you find the rooftop terrace, cafe, and balcony.

Access rights are just as important as location.

Business information often reveals aerial or semi-private views such as cafes, terraces, and rooftops. Check reviews and photos to understand access rules. While photography permissions may not be explicitly mentioned, it's still worth checking.

4. 3D buildings help you predict depth and shadows.

Understand how height and structure affect lighting and framing.

 

Shadows are fantastic eye-catching subjects for a photograph. They are also equally unpredictable. 3D building views add depth that flat maps can't show. You can quickly see how high-rise buildings interact with streets, open spaces, and with each other, which is crucial for understanding perspective.

Tip : For information about shadows, you can also use apps like Shadowmap and ShadeMap .

5. User-generated photos reveal the actual angle and conditions.

Community-contributed images show what maps can't see.

User-uploaded images often reveal unclear angles, perspectives, and compositional opportunities from satellite imagery. They also show clutter, fences, and obstructions.

People look at these photos not for inspiration, but for verification. They help them confirm whether the idea in their head is actually feasible for filming. In one case, a single preview photo showing a crowded parking lot was imagined as an ideal location for a photoshoot. And the lack of photos of a location can be a clue to the next spot.

6. Signs of quiet locations with few people taking photos.

Fewer photos often mean more creative freedom.

We are being overwhelmed by too many images. Areas with fewer photos uploaded may be less crowded and less likely to be photographed.

It's fortunate if you can find more beautiful locations with fewer user-uploaded photos. It's a simple way to avoid stereotypical images and hopefully avoid the crowds when traveling.

7. Popular time data helps you avoid crowds.

The photo was taken at the same location, but without people.

 

Popular time data shows when locations are most crowded. For photographers, this is a crowd-avoiding tool disguised as a convenient feature.

You can test this even with just a smartphone. A small change in timing, even 30 minutes earlier or later, can transform a chaotic scene into a clearer interior or street scene. This is especially important when photographing architecture or minimalist layouts, where people disrupt the visual flow.

8. Terrain view helps you plan landscape layouts.

Altitude is more important than you think.

The terrain view reveals elevation changes that standard maps hide. Hills, slopes, and valleys suddenly become clear, which is essential for landscape planning.

When unfamiliar with a location, use this feature to decide whether staying in a guesthouse or hostel near a viewpoint is actually better for photography and saves both time and money on your trip.

9. Saved locations become a personal photo diary.

Transform Google Maps into a creative archive.

You can do more than just bookmark your favorite locations. It can become a journal recording your past photography practice and a place to store ideas, experiments, and unfinished photos for the future.

You can turn your Google Maps account into a list of must-visit photo spots, planning to visit those places months later, when you have more time or when the lighting or weather conditions are different.

This habit transforms Google Maps into a living photo diary. Then, combine Gemini with Google Maps to build itineraries that fit your schedule.

10. Look for street art and murals on Street View.

An interesting search exercise you can do anytime.

 

Street View has a huge collection of images that you can explore. Murals, installations, and street art can also be featured through uploaded photos. If you know of a street known for this type of art, use Maps to track the development of street art.

Tip : You can contribute to Google's Street View project by uploading your own 360-degree video to Street View Studio.

11. Use search suggestions to discover new places.

Let chance bring you some surprises!

Try this exercise when you're feeling bored. Enter a general query into Google Maps in and around your city. It might reveal unexpected places and landmarks. Or, simply place a plastic figure in a random location and see what it reveals.

Think of these search suggestions as reminders to explore more. Hopefully, this habit will lead you to places you would never have actively sought out.