Apple Maps

Overview

Apple maps is an innovative experience to locate areas, route trips and grasp a lay of the land. The application, which comes pre-installed on all mobile Apple products, allows the user to use a wide range of settings to perform specific tasks. The completely free product is highly useful and provides an atlas of information all in a small screen.

How to Use it

Upon launching the app, it may appear very confusing and highly advance. Don't worry! The maps feature is easily accessible to new users and those not familiar with technology.



Along the top and bottom borders of the screen are the main settings. The top left shows a button that say "Directions," which is probably the most useful aspect of the app. It allows the user to input a start and end point for a trip. In fact, the settings are so diverse that a trip can be mapped out by car, public transportation or even on foot. The start point can also be set to the user's current location provided location services are enabled for the mobile device. When done, simply click "Route" and the map will show a few different routes that have varying traffic, distance and time variables. Tap on any one of these routes and click "Start" in the top right of the screen to enter into the step by step navigation. You can even leave the app running in the background while you access other apps on your device and the computer generated voice will inform you when to turn and will keep you on course.



The bottom task bar has a few useful settings regarding how the map appears to the user. The arrow icon toward the bottom left shows the user their current location when tapped. The 3D feature tilts the screen to give the illusion that the map is three dimensional. The box with an arrow coming out of it allows the user to send information from the Maps app the social media, the device itself and any third party devices such as a printer. Finally, the "i" with  a circle around it provides some more useful map displays. "Standard" is the standard flat, routing map more useful for locating specific locations. The "Hybrid" setting shows a more developed layout of the land as to trees, dirt and grass as well as geographical locations. This setting allows the user to grasp a more realistic lay of the land. The third and final setting, "Satellite," shows the world view of the Earth. This setting shows specific time zones of the world allowing the user to grasp a concept of time changes if travel is at a great distance.