Apps v maps
Never get lost again
One of the best uses of a smartphone is being able to use a maps app to find your way around. There is no longer any need to have a large map book in your car, and there is also no need to give out or receive confusing directions.
Using Google Maps or Apple Maps on your smartphone means that not only will you never get lost, but you’ll also never be late.
One of the best features of both apps is that it provides an estimate of how long it’ll take to get to your destination by car, walking, cycling or public transport.
They are also equally useful for getting around cities, travelling between towns and finding your way around while travelling overseas.
While they are simple to use there are some tricks to make better use of what could be the best use ever thought of for a smartphone.
Google Maps
This app can be used on Android devices and iPhones.
It’s free to download but the price you pay is the sharing of your location data.
This can be managed but you need to allow Google to track your device to use the app effectively.
To see what data Google has about you go to myactivity.google. com and you’ll be able to identify and delete all the searches you have made.
One of the best, but little-used features, is being able to plot multiple locations. That means if you’re going to a shop before heading to the beach you don’t
Another handy feature for those who get lost easily is having Google Maps remember where you parked.
need to enter details after each stop. To use it, enter your final destination then click the three dots in the top right which will offer an option to ‘‘add stop’’.
Another neat, hidden feature is being able to replace the blue navigation arrow with a vehicle. Once you start navigation, tap the blue arrow and you can choose to use a red car, green ute or yellow minivan as your icon.
If you’re often driving in unfamiliar towns and cities it’s worth using the feature that lets you find petrol stations, supermarkets and cafes that are nearby. On the phone app, click the magnifying glass icon and then tap the type of shop you want and the results will show on the map.
Of course, you shouldn’t be using your smartphone while driving so you’ll need to learn how to use the voice features.
First, tap the speaker icon to enable vocal directions which will tell you where to go so you don’t have to look at your phone. Its Maori pronunciation is cringeworthy but otherwise, it works well. Next, allow Google Maps access to your microphone so you can use your voice to set a destination, though you’ll still need to tap ‘‘start’’.
Another handy feature for those who get lost easily is having Google Maps remember where you parked. Just tap the blue dot showing where you are and you’ll have the option to set this as your parking location.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps is not as popular as Google Maps as it’s only available on Apple devices. And while I find it gets ‘‘lost’’ more often than Google Maps, it does have some advantages.
The first is how it handles data. Unlike Google, Apple doesn’t share the data it collects and all data is made anonymous so no company, not even Apple, will know where you’re coming from or going to.
Also, the voice control on Apple Maps works better than Google Maps. You need to have Siri working, but once you ask for directions the app begins navigation without needing to tap ‘‘go’’. However, Siri’s pronunciation of Kiwi place names is just as bad as Google’s.
One other neat function of Apple Maps is that after you zoom in on part of your route it will recentre back to where you currently are.
Apple Maps also gives you a 3D view of a city which helps give you perspective when navigating your way around.
It only works in cities and to use it, just swipe up on the screen using two fingers.
It can also do a flyover of major cities which will show you a quick tour of some of the major sights in your chosen location.
Apple Maps does most of what Google Maps does so choosing which one to use comes down to what device you have and also how you value your personal data.
Both apps work well and are valuable to anyone who travels a lot or has a poor sense of direction.