Make the most of your GPS app with these 9 hidden features

GPS, sat navs and other cloud-based navigation tools have been around for decades. But in the age of the smartphone, they're more prevalent than ever.

If you feel like you can't find your way around without Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze, you're far from alone. These days, many people find a trip without GPS about as much fun as a plate-spinning competition.

But are you getting everything you can out of your GPS app? As so often with technology, many of us simply aren't aware of some of the cool hidden features of the software we use every day.

Well, we're here to change all that. We hope this article helps you get more out of your GPS app – and makes for a more satisfying trip, whichever mode of transport you use.

Google Maps

1. Navigate privately in incognito mode

Did you know that all the trips you make on Google Maps are saved to your Google account? This has its benefits – but sometimes, you may want a trip to go unrecorded.

It's easy to do. Just as you can go into incognito mode on Google Chrome, so you can turn it on when using Google Maps. As long as incognito mode is enabled, your journey won't be added to your search history.

On iPhone, iPad and Android, simply open Google Maps, tap your profile picture in the top right corner and tap "Turn on incognito mode".

It's a small but useful feature that gives you that bit more control over your privacy.

2. Add stops to a trip

Are you making a journey in several legs? Google Maps can plan a route with multiple stops.

First, enter your destination and generate the route. Next, tap the three dots in the right-hand corner and then tap "Add stop".

You can add up to nine stops – and when you've done so, you can reorder them with ease. Simply tap and move a stop to put it in any order you like.

[IMAGE: flags in a map indicating stops on a journey]

This is an extremely useful feature when making a complex journey. You can thank us later!

3. Share your location

Describing your location over the phone or by text message isn't always as easy as it sounds. Google Maps' location-sharing feature circumvents this problem by sharing the name, address and map point of any location.

To unlock this feature, find your place on the map. Drop a pin and select the place name and address from the bottom of the screen. Next, select "Share" – or, on some devices, "More" then "Share".

The app then gives you a choice over how you want to share the location. You can share it via messaging or another app on your phone.

Apple Maps

1. Explore the streets

Google Street View is now a household name. But Apple has its own version that allows you to explore the streets in an astonishing number of towns, villages and cities.

Once you've opened your location on the app, tap the binoculars icon near the bottom. You can then pan, move forward, zoom in or out, and switch between points of interest.

Once you've had your fill, press "Done" to return to normal view.

2. Share your ETA

Want to share your estimated time of arrival with somebody? Apple Maps lets you with just a few taps.

First, tap the route card at the bottom of the screen. Next, tap "Share ETA". You can then share the information with a suggested contact or open your contacts list to find the person you need.

3. Clear location history

Like Google Maps, Apple Maps records your journeys and searches. But it also lets you delete your history.

You can do this by opening Apple Maps, swiping up to open the information panel, then finding "History" under "Recents". 

Once in, you can either delete a specific location or delete your entire history by tapping "See all" and then "Clear".

Waze

1. Find a petrol station