A Simple Tip for an Accurate Timeline

Google Maps tips & tricks
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Greetings, my fellow Local Guides :wave:t4: Happy 2023!

I’d like to begin by asking a question: Have you ever noticed discrepancies or missing places from your Google Maps Timeline?

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I know I have! I like to use my Timeline to sort of “retrace my steps.” I’ve often noticed that when I open an address in Maps to share a photo (or sometimes even for a review) it will not show that I’ve been there. But, I know I’ve been there!

There are instances when the app will suggest that I leave a rating or share a photo of a place that’s in the same general area, but not the place I actually visited or photographed. This was becoming more irritating to me, so I was determined to find a solution for an accurate Timeline. I’d like to share that with you, in hopes that it will make sharing a quicker and simpler process!

Step 1. Make certain that your mobile GPS is turned on and sharing with the Maps app:

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Step 2. Search for the POI on Google Maps

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Step 3. Select the POI where you are located.

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Step 4. Make sure that you are at that location, or very close by.

Caption: Local Guide @mikeinthefalls verifying his location
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Step 5: Locate the line of the listing where it asks “Are you here now?”

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Step 6. Verify that you are currently at that POI.

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Confirmation: Once you have selected “Yes,” Google Maps will display your Timeline in that window and indicate that you are currently there. It will also place that visit on your Timeline, for future reference.

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I hope that some will find this helpful, I know it’s made my sharing much simpler. It’s also exciting to see all the places I’ve actually visited appear on my Timeline!

18 Likes
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Perfect @Mikeinthefalls

I used to do this during all my meetups and a few times I was banned from using this feature temporarily. Have no idea whether the blocking function is still there.

1 Like
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I’m glad you liked this post @deepakjhic

I’ve never had an issue with this feature being blocked… I’ll make sure you monitor.

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This is an easily overlooked feature, @Mikeinthefalls . Thanks for the tip.

I have an issue with one of the steps you showed. I rarely have a photographer with me, so how should I go about getting a photo of myself updating my location. Does it impact the accuracy if I don’t get a picture? :joy:

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@JustJake Thanks for checking this out, glad you dig the tip!

I must say, life really didn’t start for me until I began traveling with my own personal photographer. Oh, the moments we’ve captured. You really must try it. :laughing: However, one isn’t necessary to complete Step 4.

Will anyone believe that you were actually there, though? :person_shrugging:t4:‍ :male_sign:

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Ah! No wonder so many visited places weren’t showing up on my timeline. Thank you for sharing. This was helpful.

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@InspiringCuriosity So glad you found this to be of value! I was just like you - frustrated that places I’ve visited were not showing up. However, since I started doing this I’ve had a much more accurate Timeline.

Since you’re new to Connect , another helpful tip: Tag the person you’re replying to with an @ and their name (as I’ve done in this reply to you!) so the Local Guide will get a notification that they’re tagged. You’ll find some posts get a lot of comments and this makes it much simpler to reply.

Have a great day :smiling_face: