I was ready to hit the road home. The rains had stopped, and it looked like smooth sailing across New Hampshire and Maine. Until…I punched in my destination on my Maps app. Four out of five possible routes had flood warnings.  Deciding not to chance being turned back half way home, I took the one that was clear. I saw parts of New Hampshire I had never seen. Luckily it’s a beautiful state so the extra time quickly passed as I wound around lakes and hills.

Warning the driver of potential hazards ahead is just one of the many cool features of the Maps App. Here are seven more.

Multiple options for the type of map you need:

Explore

Driving

Transit,

Satellite

Choose the type of map you want by tapping wavy icon in the top right corner. See arrow on the image below.

Explore

This feature allows you to see what types of businesses, historical sites, and recreational facilities are in the area. By using your fingers to expand the screen, you will see more detail.

Driving

This version of the area you have chosen shows all of the roads. Plus you can see construction work (red lines) and other possible obstacles.

Transit

With this map, you can find subway, train, and bus routes. The dots along the lines indicate stops.  As a kid, I used to take the MTA’s Red Line into Boston. Never did meet Charlie who was riding forever.

Satellite

This map gives you a bird’s eye view of the area.

You can see your choice of routes by tapping on the blue box with the car icon on it.  Look at the image above to see what that button looks like.

Once you tap the button, more options appear. This screen allows you to make some choices.

1. You can choose your starting point by tapping on My Location. You can change it by typing in a new one in the search bar.

2. Also, by tapping Avoid, you can choose routes that stay away from toll roads and highways. Personally, I love back country roads so this option stays on almost all of the time.

3. Perhaps you are not traveling by car. Notice on the blue box that says Drive that there is a downward pointing arrow. Tap there and you will see your other options that include walking, cycling, and ride shares.

Did you know that your Apple Maps app also shows the interior of major airports. This feature helps you locate your gate, rest rooms. and restaurants. Here are a couple of images that show Terminal A at Logan Airport in Boston.

Terminal A

Facilities

Lastly, I often have my Maps on even when I know my route because it keeps track of the speed limit and my estimated time of arrival. Both good things to know.

Wishing you many happy adventures this spring and summer! If you are not a Mainer, consider visiting the Pine Tree State. Just tap in Harpswell, Maine in your Maps app and come on up for some lobster!

If you are traveling in the future, be sure to download our Digital Device Travel Checklist to make sure you do not leave any vital piece of equipment home.

Originally Published on https://boomertechadventures.com/

Ed Brazee Co-founder of BoomerTECH Adventures

Ed Brazee is co-founder of BoomerTECH Adventures with colleagues Jill Spencer and Chris Toy. BoomerTECH Adventures helps fellow boomers develop their digital expertise while modeling and encouraging compassion, honesty, fairness, respect for diversity, and adherence to ethical behavior. Using technology in this day and age is much more than knowing what buttons to push!

Ed is professor emeritus of education at the University of Maine where he taught for 25 years. He was also publications editor for the Association for Middle Level Education, and directed a highly regarded summer institute for teachers.