How to Use iPhone Maps Application

One of the most powerful software applications that comes with bundled with iPhone is Maps. This app is very helpful when traveling around unfamiliar places. Here’s how to use iPhone Maps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• iPhone with the Maps tool

1. Understand that iPhone uses the Google Maps software to map a position or map directions between two locations. There is also a GPS tool that can track your position as long as you have satellite coverage. These instructions will focus on point to point mapping which only requires AT&T connection or a Wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. The example data will use Omaha, Nebraska as our starting point and Lincoln, Nebraska as our end point.

2. On the iPhone home screen (shown above), tap on the Maps icon to access the software. You will see the Search button on the bottom and a search field on the top with a tiny magnifying glass.

3. 
   Entering start location

   Click on the search field and type in a place. It could be a full address or a partial address. In this example, we entered Omaha NE. NE is Nebraska and note that a comma is not necessary in this case. Click on the blue start button on the lower right.

4. 
   Starting location with selectable pushpin

   The software will find Omaha, Nebraska and mark the city with a pushpin. If there were other Omaha cities, the software would list the other options.

5. 
   Pushpin info

   Click on the Omaha pushpin. You will see an Info screen on Omaha. Shown will be a choice to get to or from directions. The “From Here” will be selected. The next screen will be the Directions window.

6. 
   Entering the ending destination

   In the Directions screen, tap in the End input field. Type in the name of the place you want to travel to. In this example, Lincoln, Nebraska is chosen. “Lincoln ne” was typed in. No need to enter a comma or capitalize any letter.

7. 
   Overview of map route

   The software will show a top or high level view of the map directions. The results will tell you the distance between the two locations and provide conservative driving estimation times.

8. For detailed directions, click on blue Start button on the upper right of the map window.

9. 
   Starting route of directions

   The detailed directions will show you the starting directions from your starting point. It will start as “1 of n”, where n will depend on the length and complexity of the route.

10. 

    Shown is the ending location of the route. Note that the mapped is zoomed out. Suppose you want to see the street level view?

11. 

    To see the street level view, press two fingers on the map screen and reverse pinch to zoom in until you see the details you are interested in. To zoom out, pinch the screen until you are satisfied with the zoom level.

12. When traveling, always have a paper map or written instructions down as a backup. You may never know when the electronics or network connection will act slow or go down.

[femwriter]

on 9/14/2009 Excellent information on how to use iPhone maps application. I like reading your article and thanks for sharing it. 5* plus recommendation!