The iPhone Maps Application is allows you to view and search Google Maps. It also lets you see traffic reports in some cities, satellite views, and will give you directions from one location to another.
The main screen for Maps has a search field at the top and a few buttons at the bottom. Press the search field to bring up the keyboard. Then enter a location. You can enter a specific address, a zip code, the name of a city and state, or any search term to allow Google Maps to take its best guess.
Moving around the maps is done by pressing and dragging on your screen. You can zoom in by pinching the screen, and zoom out with the opposite gesture.
To get directions, press the Directions button at the bottom of the screen. You will now have two search fields at the top. Enter something in each field. You can use the squiggly button at the left to swap the fields.
You can then press the Edit button to change the start or end locations, or use the Start button to see the first step in following the directions. Arrows will then replace the Start button and allow you to go through the directions step-by-step.
The iPhone can also find your current location with varying degrees of accuracy. Press the bulls-eye button at the lower left.
You can enable more Maps features by pressing the eye button at the bottom right. This brings up more options, such at the ability to drop a pin in the map at the current location, and to turn on traffic reports. You can also switch from map view to Satellite image view, or use a hybrid of map and imagery. The List view can be used when you are getting directions and simply wish to see a list of all the of the steps on one screen.
The traffic reports show up as green, red and yellow lines, usually on interstate highways in major cities. You may have to zoom out quite a distance to see them.
The Satellite and Hybrid views will show satellite pictures of the area. Different areas may have different quality and levels of depth.
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great write-up. Had no idea Maps was in iPhone and that it was so powerful and helpful. gotta get one!
Hi
I found this article very helpful. My understanding is that the Map Application uses a combination of wi-fi, local masts and GPS. However, I often encounter blackspots where I can imagine there is unlkely to be wi-fi or local masts but I would expect satellite contact but the Map App does not work – any idea why blackspots should be experienced when outside buildings and GPS should be available? I have the iPhone 3GS.
Regards
Dave Wilshaw
I know the 3G chip is needed to get GPS signals. Any chance you have turned off the 3G chip (Airplane mode or something?)
The Maps app disappeared on my iPhone. How do I get it back?
The Maps app is one of the default ones — there should be no way to delete it. I would back up in iTunes, then reset and restore.
Maps is a wonderfully designed auto intelligent device that is one of best tools on iPhone. However, I was in the true forrest not near the city or wiFi and the GPS was indicating it was not ‘working (as it is referred to) with space transmitters, what I thought was data received from GPS satellites. So, in open clear sky view country why did I not get any navigation function based on the warning of “weak GPS, (satellite) signal” yet, my hand help Garmin worked fine? Is this an issue with the iPhone hardware or software?
A couple of things. First, you can’t use the Maps app way from a connection. It downloads all maps on the fly, so it just wont work. But there are some apps made for your situation that will work. See http://ngadventure.typepad.com/blog/2010/04/best-iphone-mapping-apps.html
Second, note that GPS uses wifi signals, cell towers and GPS satellites. The first two are fast, the last is slow. So if you are used to quick GPS readings in town, it is because wifi and towers are providing the data. Out in the wilderness it will take longer.
And, of course, you must have an iPhone 3G, 3GS or 4. The original iPhone didn’t have the ability to access GPS satellite signals.