How to Get Maps on a Cell Phone

Take advantage of modern technology and never be lost again. There are many places to download maps, driving directions and traffic updates to your cell phone. Use this on your next trip, vacation, or for an everyday commute. You must have a cell phone that has mobile web access. Most of these services are free, although there may be charges by your cell service provider.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get Google Maps on your cell phone. This is a free service offered by Google. In order to get these maps, you must have a mobile web browser on your phone. Some of the features you can get include real-time traffic, detailed directions, movable maps and satellite imagery.

2. Download maps to your cell from Mapquest. Visit the Mapquest home page and search for a map. Once the results appear click on the "Send to Cell" button at the top of the page. Enter your phone number, your email address and the title of the map.

3. View real-time traffic on your mobile. This is also free and provides up to the minute traffic info for your commute. Once at the Traffic Gauge website, you will enter your cell number and a link will be sent to your phone.

4. Get maps and traffic updates from Rand McNally. Visit their website to see if service is available on your cell phone. Currently, Rand McNally only offers mobile maps to some Sprint, Nextel and Cingular customers. You can access maps, driving directions and a public directory.

5. Use Yahoo maps. This is a free service also. You can not send a map to your cell phone from Yahoo maps. You can send driving directions, though.