These 10 tips will help you navigate like a pro with Apple Maps by Karen Tumbokon

Before Apple Maps came along, Google Maps was the default navigation app for iOS. It was a mammoth undertaking, but Apple was determined to create its own mapping solution.

Back in 2012, Apple Maps officially replaced Google Maps on iOS products. While Apple Maps has a simple interface, there are plenty of features that are hidden away. Here are ten Apple Maps tips that will help you become a pro, and get where you need to go.

Click on a link to jump to a topic:

• How to drop a pin
• How to see traffic nearby
• How to see what apps local people are using
• How to activate compass mode
• How to ask Siri for directions
• How to Flyover cities in Apple Maps
• How to share locations
• How to export maps as PDFs
• How to adjust the volume
• How to clear your location history

How to drop a pin

If your friends from out of town are coming to visit, you can use pins to help plan ahead. You can also use pins to mark a destination you need directions for. To drop a pin, simply tap and hold, and select Drop a Pin. When you create a new pin, you can label it, add to an Existing Contact, or easily Create New Contact.

How to see traffic nearby

Maps will let you know what’s causing traffic, so you can see if there’s an accident or just a slowdown. To be able to see real-time traffic information, tap ‘i’, and then tap Show Traffic. If there’s traffic nearby, you’ll see orange and red dots. Orange dots show slow traffic, while red dots show stop-and-go traffic. If there’s traffic, Maps will provide alternative routes to help save you time.

How to see what apps local people are using

This cool feature, available on the Apple Maps app, enables you to see what apps are popular with other users nearby. Tap on the label to show your current location, tap on the label that pops up, and you can check out some of the top apps other people use. You will discover some of the best travel, navigation, and news applications available for iOS.

How to activate compass mode

If you plan to use the Apple Maps app to get a sense of direction, like when you go hiking or biking, you may want to make sure you enable compass mode. In compass mode, the map you are looking at in the Maps app will rotate based on your direction. To activate compass mode, be sure to tap on the Location icon at the bottom of the screen. Once you pinpoint your location, tap on it again, and compass mode will be activated.

How to ask Siri for directions

No matter where you want to go, Siri can help you get to your destination. You can ask Siri to take you to the nearest grocery store, closest burger joint, or take you home. Press and hold the Home button on your iPhone, wait until you hear two quick beeps, and then tell Siri where you want to go.

Next page: Five more Apple Maps tips and tricks

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How to Flyover cities in Apple Maps

When Apple Maps launched in 2012, the company introduced the Flyover feature, which allows users to explore views of cities or landmarks in 3D from the air. To use the Flyover feature in Apple Maps on your iOS device, simply open Apple Maps and type the name of the city or landmark you would like to explore. Tap on the search button after entering the name of the city, and it will suggest a 3D Flyover Tour. Simply tap Start, and you will begin to tour the city or landmark from the sky. You can also access the Flyover feature by selecting Flyover Tour from a location’s details. To return to your map from a Flyover Tour, simply tap End Flyover Tour at the bottom of your screen.

How to share locations

With Apple Maps you can easily transfer locations between your iOS and OSX devices, or share with friends. From Apple Maps on iOS, simply tap on a placement marker label, then tap the Share button. You will be given options to share via AirDrop, Messages, email, or social media services such as Facebook or Twitter. If you’d like to share your location with yourself, simply find your other devices through AirDrop, or try emailing or messaging yourself. If you have a group conversation going with friends, you can tap Details > Share My Location, choose how long to share your location for, and you’ll appear on their map.

How to export maps as PDFs

One of the best Apple Maps tips relates to the OS X edition, which offers the ability to export a map as a PDF. To export maps as PDFs, choose Export as PDF from the File menu. This feature provides a convenient way to print a physical map, especially if you need a copy of a map for functions like a wedding or a meeting, and you don’t want to have to rely on your phone.

How to adjust the volume

While it’s a small feature, Apple Maps lets you adjust the volume of the voice giving you directions on your iPhone. Simply go to Settings, select Maps, and you can adjust the volume of that trusty navigation voice, without adjusting the volume of anything else. You can also switch between miles and kilometers in this menu.

How to clear your location history

If you don’t like Apple Maps keeping track of where you go, then you can easily clear your location history. Go to Settings, select Privacy, and then Location Services. Tap on System Services, which can be found at the bottom of the list, and then tap on Frequent Locations to see your travel history. You can clear your location history by tapping on Clear History at the bottom.