Did you know that popular map apps have a feature that allows you to quickly share your location without needing to know the address? The process is commonly called “dropping a pin.” This could come in handy in a variety of situations, like:
- If your kids (or parents) need to know where you are
- You’re walking home alone and want someone to keep an eye out to make sure you get there
- You’d like to meet up with people while you’re on the go, especially if it is a place without a street address
- You’re navigating to a location with spotty internet
- You need to report an emergency to the authorities
Drop a Pin with Google Maps
This article will focus on Google Maps, but Apple Maps also has this feature. Check out this Tech-Talk article for step-by-step instructions for dropping a pin using Apple Maps.
There are two ways to share a location in Google Maps. You can create a static pin on a map and share it, or you can turn on real-time sharing, which allows someone to follow your movements in real time in their Google Maps app.
Static Pin
This method works well for guiding people to a single location, or guiding yourself there if you’re offline. You don’t need to be at the location to drop the pin.
Open Google Maps and pull up the desired location. Zoom in for accuracy, if needed. Press and hold the exact location until the red pin appears. After the pin is in place, options appear at the bottom of the screen. You can:
- Get directions
- Start navigation
- Save the location as a favorite. Favorites can be organized in lists
- Download directions you’ll need when you’re offline
- Share the location with others
To see your lists of saved locations, open Google Maps and select “You” in the bottom menu:
Optionally, save to a list:
Real-Time Sharing
To share your current location, and have it update in real time as you travel, open Google Maps and tap your profile picture in the upper-right of the screen.
Select Location Sharing from the menu
Accept permissions to share and to access your contacts:
Select how long to share your location and select a person or a method of sharing:
Return to this screen to stop sharing your location with one or all of the people you have shared with previously.
Summary
Location sharing can be handy for a variety of applications. To learn more, including how to share your location using Apple Maps, check out this article on location sharing by Tech-Talk.
