Google Maps is renowned as the most popular navigation platform used by millions across the globe. We rely on the app to find new restaurants, routes in a foreign city, or simply a friend’s place. If you use it often, you may have noticed several symbols placed around the interface. While some may be no-brainers, others can be hard to decipher. So, if you are having trouble figuring them out, today we will explain all Google Maps symbols and icons. Let’s unravel the mystery!
Google Maps Symbols and Icons Explained
From old icons to new additions, let’s put all the doubts away once and for all.
Google Maps Icons on Home Page
Starting with the first page, here are all the icons you can see:
- Search Bar: To type in a place, address, or landmark on the map and find the location.
- You Icon: To collect your personally saved office locations, tagged items, custom maps in your dashboard. Includes your most recent visits, and view a whole Google Maps location history with the interactive timeline.
- Explore sign: To offer local recommendations for eateries, attractions, cafes, and activities in addition to your current area and neighboring locations.
- Mic: To find locations without typing text into the search field. By clicking the mic, you can speak a place name and search.
- Map Types: Choose from a variety of perspectives, including terrain, satellite, and default to view maps.
- Your Location: Re-center the map to your current GPS location after viewing your current location on the maps.
- Directions: To launch the navigation panel for getting directions to any location.
- Contribute Button: To add your own new locations, reviews, and pictures.
- Blue Dot Beam: Shows your current GPS location. On the maps, the direction you are facing is shown by the darkened beam surrounding the blue dot. A bigger circle denotes a lower level of location precision; a solid circle denotes a high level of GPS accuracy.
Google Maps Icons While Using
New icons also come up as you start using Maps, like:
- Blue Dot Beam: Shows where you are currently located by default. You can add a new starting location by typing in another address.
- Destination: Left blank to enter your final destination.
- Modes of transportation: Represent the mode of transportation you wish to take. You can select from car, bike, walk, or train.
- Swap icon: To switch your current location and destination with each other.
Google Maps Symbols After Putting Location
Here are some other icons and symbols you may see once you have input your destination:
- Add Stops: You can add more locations between your starting and ending journey.
- Start: Your destination route begins by providing turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation.
- Three-dot menu: It provides more choices, including the ability to share directions, edit stops, set departure and arrival times, refresh the map, and more.
- Trip Options: You can control your vehicle’s fuel options, including diesel, electric EV, and more, and you can view the route efficiency counter. You may also adjust your route to avoid toll booths, motorways, and ferries. Depending on your travel method, you can also modify the vehicle icon in these options. It suggests the icons; for example, if you are currently in car mode, it lets you choose different car types and assign colors to them.
- X Button: This exits the route preview and returns to the main map.
- Share: You can send the trip or route to someone via apps or messages.
- Save: You can bookmark the destination, like a house address, location, etc.
Google Maps Live Navigation Symbols Explained
Now that you have started your destination, there may be different icons that are hard to understand.
- Next Turn Direction: Shows the next move in your route and displays the next direction you want to take.
- Current Position: It indicates your real-time GPS location and the direction you are facing, and ensures that you are on the current path.
- Re-centre: Sometimes, your current location might drift off the screen; you can tap on the re-center to re-center your position for accurate navigation.
- Exit Navigation: Stops the current navigation and returns you to the standard map view with a single tap.
- Route Line: Displays the suggested route in blue and helps visually guide your journey. The blue line to your destination is a visual guide; sometimes, this blue line turns red/orange/green based on traffic.
- Orange Route Line: Indicates moderate traffic in your route.
- Red Route Line: Indicates high traffic in your route.
- Compass Icon: Locks you in the map’s orientation from moving. The north direction rotates to reflect your direction while remaining on the map.
- Voice Command: Google Assistant is activated by engaging with your map without you physically engaging with the screen. It can be used to determine your precise location, obtain location details, and locate nearby locations.
- Search Along Route: Locates stops along your current route, such as food, gas, or bathrooms, after you have parked your vehicle.
- Sound Options: You can adjust the voice guiding settings with this icon, like Full Navigation Voice, Alerts Only, or Muted.
- Report: As you pass the region, you can report any incidents, traffic incidents, road closures, speed traps, and more to assist others.
- Route Overview: You can see a preview of the route you are currently on by using this icon. It allows you to select several options and zooms out to provide you with a complete perspective of the path.
- No Entry/Road Closure: The road is closed or prohibited from your direction when a red circle with a white horizontal line is present. You can enlarge the map to see more information.
- Crash or Accident: A user-reported accident or traffic event at that place is indicated by a red icon with a car crash symbol. For improved navigation, Google Maps provides real-time crowd-sourced reports and traffic statistics.
Google Maps In-Map Icons and Symbols
There are also several icons all across the maps:
- Green Line Route: Indicates a public transportation route such as a metro or suburban train. It is shown by a solid red, green, blue, or any other line. The color may change depending on where you live.
- Boundaries and Red Dotted Lines: When you search for a city or area, the surrounding borders are shown by round red lines.
- Heart Icon: The location you have designated as a favorite is shown by the heart icon.
- Green Flag: Indicates the place you wish to visit.
Google Maps Personal Symbols
Whatever personalised inputs you use, also get their own icons:
- Favourite: A special spot you’ve marked with a heart to revisit or remember.
- Work: Your saved workplace location for easy navigation.
- Custom List: A place you’ve added to your personalized collection or list.
- Starred: A bookmarked location you’ve marked with a star for quick access.
- Nicknamed: A saved place with a custom name of your choice.
- Home: Your personal address saved as your home location.
- Want-to-Go: Places you’ve flagged with a green marker for future visits.
- Appointment: A location tied to a calendar meeting or event.
- Contact: An address saved from your contact list.
Google Maps Service and Health Symbols
There are also emergency icons, such as:
- H Symbol: Hospital.
- Pharmacy: An icon with P on it offering medicines.
- Car Rental: Agencies offering vehicles for short- or long-term hire.
- ATM: Easy-access machines for quick cash withdrawals.
- Hotel: Comfortable stays ranging from budget rooms to luxury suites.
- Gas Station: Fuel stops for refueling cars and picking up travel essentials.
- Resort: Leisure spots combining relaxation, recreation, and scenic views.
- Parking: Public and private lots for safe vehicle parking.
- Bank: General banking branches for everyday financial services.
Food, Drinks, and Other Spots Icons
You will find various icons designed in cans and food.
- Aquarium: Spots featuring marine life, exhibits, and underwater wonders.
- Cafe: Relaxed hangouts for coffee, snacks, and casual conversations.
- Historic (China): Sites that showcase China’s rich cultural and architectural past.
- Casino: Places for gaming, entertainment, and nightlife experiences.
- Food: Restaurants and eateries serving a variety of cuisines.
- Relic: Archaeological sites and cultural remains that tell old stories.
- Tourist: Popular destinations known for sightseeing and local charm.
- Amusement Park: Large recreational parks with rides, games, and fun zones.
- Wine: Cozy spots specializing in fine wines and tastings.
- Music: Concert halls and venues that host live music performances.
- Theatre: Spaces for plays, stage shows, and live performances.
- Shopping: Retail hubs and shopping centres for all kinds of finds.
- Event Venue: Grounds or halls designed for celebrations and gatherings.
- Grocery: Local supermarkets and stores for daily essentials.
- Lighthouse: Scenic coastal attractions featuring classic lighthouse views.
- Monument: Famous landmarks built to honor people or historic moments.
- Museum: Spaces showcasing art, science, or history exhibits.
- Museum (Japan): Museums highlighting Japanese culture and heritage.
- Arts: Galleries and creative spaces displaying visual and cultural art.
- Bar: Pubs and lounges serving cocktails, beer, and other drinks.
- Historic: Landmarks that preserve stories from the past.
- Movie Theatre: Cinemas screening the latest films and classics.
Google Maps Outdoor Symbols Meaning
Let’s check out the Google Maps symbols and icons you will find for parks and outdoor:
- Park: Public green spaces for picnics, walks, and outdoor fun.
- Boating: Lakes or rivers where you can enjoy rowing, sailing, or water rides.
- Zoo: Animal parks and wildlife enclosures for family-friendly visits.
- Hiking: Scenic trails and trekking routes for nature lovers.
- Golf Course: Landscaped areas designed for golf games and practice.
- Fishing: Serene spots perfect for casting a line and relaxing outdoors.
- Garden: Beautifully maintained botanical and ornamental gardens.
- Mountain: Majestic peaks and hiking spots for adventure seekers.
- Sports Stadium: Arenas hosting major games, matches, and live sports.
- Campground: Designated sites for camping under the stars.
- Cemetery: Calm and respectful memorial areas open to visitors.
Google Maps Civil Services and Worship Symbols Meaning
Government bodies and religious places also have their icons:
- Bridge: Well-known bridges that connect cities or serve as local landmarks.
- Post Office: Standard postal offices handling mail and packages.
- School (Japan): Educational institutions within Japan.
- Library: Public or institutional spaces for reading, studying, and research.
- Civic Building: Government and administrative offices serving public needs.
- City Office (Japan): Local Japanese government offices managing city affairs.
- Restroom: Public facilities available for convenience and hygiene.
- Police: Stations ensuring law enforcement and community safety.
- Government (China): Official buildings of Chinese government authorities.
- Civil Office (Japan): Japanese public service centers for citizen matters.
- Miscellaneous: Other public service locations that don’t fit specific categories.
- Post Office (Japan): Postal facilities and mailing services in Japan.
- School: Educational buildings for students of all levels.
- Police (Japan): Law enforcement offices located across Japan.
- Mosque: Sacred places where Muslims gather for prayer and community worship.
- Hindu Temple: Spiritual sites dedicated to Hindu deities and rituals.
- Shinto Temple: Traditional Shinto shrines found throughout Japan.
- Gurdwara: Sikh temples known for prayer, service, and community meals.
- Buddhist Temple: Peaceful spaces devoted to Buddhist teachings and meditation.
- Jain Temple: Intricately designed temples dedicated to Jain faith and philosophy.
- Synagogue: Jewish houses of worship and cultural gathering centers.
- Church or Temple: Christian churches and other general places of worship.
- Mormon Temple: Sacred temples for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Dharma Temple: Centers for Buddhist or dharma-based spiritual practice and learning.
Also Read: How to Change Business Address on Google Maps
Now you will no longer have a difficult time figuring out Google Maps symbols and icons explained. For more helpful tips and tricks, stay tuned, and feel free to share your suggestions in the comments below.
