Apple's Apple Maps is a competitor to Google maps. This application is able to do some things that can not be done by Google. Apple Maps is integrated with iOS, making it easy to use with other apps and as navigation on an iPhone or iPad. To learn how to find locations, get directions, and even explore the world, see Step 1 below.
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Method 1 of 3: Finding Location
Step 1. Move the map around
There are a number of ways in which you can change the appearance of the map and move to a different location. All these actions are performed by manipulating the map with your fingers.
- Move the map using one finger to drag the map.
- Zoom in/out by pinching with your fingers. You can zoom in on a specific place by double-tapping it.
- Rotate the map by placing two fingers on the map. Rotate your wrist while keeping your fingers the same distance apart to rotate the map. At the same time, you can zoom in by moving your finger closer or further.
- Tilt the map by placing two fingers on the map. Moving both fingers up together will tilt the map. Moving your fingers down together will tilt the map in the opposite direction.
- To reset the map to the standard orientation, tap the compass icon in the upper right corner.
Step 2. Find a location
Use the search box at the top of the Maps app to search for a location. You can enter the exact address, causeway, business name, city, province/state and country, and more. The map will be centered at that location, and the pins will fall right there.
- If there are multiple locations to search, such as a restaurant chain, all nearby locations will be pinned. Pins closest to the current location will be marked as "active" pins. You can choose another location by tapping the pin.
- If there are several different addresses that match your search, you will be asked to select the address you want. More information about each result will be displayed.
- Tapping the search box will open a list of recent searches.
- If you're unsure of the spelling of an address or business, take your best guess. Maps may be able to figure out what you mean.
Step 3. Place the Pin
In addition to searching for a location, you can place a pin to any place on the map. You can easily select a place to see directions to it if the location is not listed on the map. Place a pin by tapping and holding your finger on the location to display the pin.
Step 4. Use Siri to search for a place
Method 2 of 3: Tracing Directions
Step 1. Create a journey
Press the arrow keys (iPhone) or the "Direction" button (iPad) at the top of the screen to create a new journey. You can enter the address into the Start and End fields, or tap Start to make it your current location. If you place a pin, the standard End point will be the pin.
- You can change the mode of transportation by selecting one of the icons at the top. If you select the Transit icon, you will be prompted to install a third-party transit app from the App Store.
- You can swap the Start point and End point by tapping the curved arrow next to the text field.
- Tap "Route" to view the route from the Start point to the End point.
Step 2. Determine your destination of the pin
You can define the destination of each pin on the map, either from search results or manually placed pins. Tap the pin to pop a bubble on it. This bubble will contain a name or address and have a car icon with a time underneath. Tap the car icon to specify that location as your destination.
Step 3. Review the route
After setting a destination, the map changes and shows the route from your current location to your destination. These routes will be shown in dark blue, while alternative routes will be shown in faint blue.
- The approximate time of each route will be displayed along the route itself as well as at the top of the Maps screen.
- If the alternative route uses a different means of transportation, for example on foot, you'll see its icon next to the route time.
Step 4. Review the direction of each turn
Tap the List button at the bottom of the screen to see the entire turn list from start to finish. You can scroll through the list if too many turns are shown.
Step 5. Check the traffic
Click the "i" button in the lower-left corner of the screen, then tap Show Traffic. Heavy traffic will be indicated by a red dotted line, while moderate traffic is represented by a smaller dotted line. If there is a lot of traffic on the route, you should try one of the alternatives.
Step 6. Use navigation mode
When you tap Start, the navigation mode will start. The map will change to your current orientation, and the current instructions will be displayed at the top of the screen. Maps will scroll through the instructions as you go through the route. You can also swipe through each instruction with your finger to see what each turn looks like.
If you deviate from your route, Maps will automatically try to calculate a new route to reach your destination
Step 7. Print the directions
If your iOS device is connected to an AirPrint printer, you can print the map by clicking the Share button and then selecting Print. Select your printer and then select the desired number of copies. A route map and turn-by-turn directions will be printed.
Method 3 of 3: Navigating Maps
Step 1. Read some reviews
When you select a pin for a business, a bubble on the map will show the ranking for that business according to Yelp. Tap the bubble to expand the selection, then tap the Reviews box. Some of the Yelp review features will be displayed along with a link that will take you to the Yelp site or app.
Step 2. View additional information about a business
When you develop a bubble on the venture, additional contact information including the phone number and company website (if applicable) will appear. If you're using an iPhone, you can tap a phone number to initiate a call. Tapping on a business website will open its address in the browser.
- The type of business and average cost (based on Yelp information) will appear below the company name at the top of the expanded infobox.
- You can tap the Photos box to see photos that have been uploaded by Yelp users.
Step 3. View the satellite image
If you want to get a more beautiful view than the map, you can turn on satellite imagery. This feature will add a satellite image on top of the map so you can see your location from a top view. You can activate the map information layer by opening the "i" menu again and selecting Hybrid.
Step 4. Use 3D mode to explore the map
While in Satellite or Hybrid mode, you can activate 3D mode to turn the map into a virtual world model. Tap the Buildings icon at the bottom of the screen. The map will tilt and elevation changes will appear. The trees will turn into 3D objects, and you will see a representation of all the buildings. Fly around your city from a whole new perspective.
- Many of the world's most famous buildings and structures have been meticulously rendered in 3D, so Apple Maps is a great way to "look around". Visit New York City and see if you can find the Empire State, or head to Tokyo and look for Tokyo Tower there.
- Not all areas are available in 3D.
