Apple Maps is an essential navigation tool for iPhone users, offering real-time directions, route planning, and a host of features to make travel easier. However, if you’re new to using Apple Maps, you may have noticed that the interface can be overwhelming, especially with its various icons and symbols. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or simply trying to navigate your way through the app, understanding these icons can enhance your experience. This guide explains what each icon on Apple Maps means, so you can better navigate the map, interpret traffic symbols, and make the most of its features.
Key Apple Maps Icons: What They Mean
Apple Maps has a variety of icons that you’ll encounter while using the app, each serving a unique purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly seen icons:
1. Binoculars Icon
- Meaning: Activates the Look Around feature, allowing you to explore an area at street level. This feature may not be available in all regions.
2. Double Arrow Icon
- Meaning: Expands the Look Around map to full screen for a better view of street-level imagery.
3. GPS Icon
- Meaning: Indicates your current location on the map.
4. Car Icon
- Meaning: Used to select the type of map you want to use—Explore, Driving, Transit, or Satellite.
5. Arrow Icon
- Meaning: Takes you back to your current location on the map.
6. 2D/3D Icon
- Meaning: Lets you toggle between 2D and 3D views to explore the map more effectively, especially helpful in urban areas to view buildings and landmarks.
7. Sun/Cloud Icon
- Meaning: Displays weather conditions and Air Quality Index (AQI) for your current location.
8. Mic Icon
- Meaning: Enables voice search, allowing you to speak commands or search for locations by voice.
9. Profile Icon
- Meaning: Shows the locations you’ve saved in your Apple Maps profile.
10. Location Color Codes
- Meaning: Different colors represent various types of places:
- Green: Forests, parks, and nature reserves.
- Yellow: Tourist attractions and landmarks.
- Orange: Restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Red: Hospitals, medical facilities, and clinics.
- Purple: Hotels, motels, and resorts.
- Pink: Cinemas, arts, lounges, and stores.
- Light Purple: Places of worship like churches or temples.
- Blue: Water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Understanding Icons on the Journey Screen
Once you start navigating, you’ll see a different set of icons on your journey screen, helping you track your progress and manage your trip.
1. Car Icon
- Meaning: Displays the estimated arrival time (ETA) when driving.
2. Walking Man Icon
- Meaning: Displays the ETA when walking.
3. Train Icon
- Meaning: Displays the ETA if taking public transit such as a train or tram.
4. Cycle Icon
- Meaning: Displays the ETA when cycling to your destination.
5. Ride-Hailing Icon (Man with One Hand Raised)
- Meaning: Allows you to book a ride via services like Uber or Lyft.
6. Circle with Arrow Icon
- Meaning: Shows turn-by-turn instructions with distance to the next turn or stop.
7. Compass (N) Icon
- Meaning: Reorients the map to point north if you have rotated it manually.
8. Zoom In/Out Icon
- Meaning: Allows you to zoom in and out to adjust the view of your route.
9. Sound Icon
- Meaning: Lets you adjust the notification sounds, such as enabling sounds for all updates or only critical ones.
10. Up Arrow (Menu) Icon
- Meaning: Opens a menu where you can add stops, share your ETA, report traffic incidents, and more.
Understanding Road and Traffic Symbols on Apple Maps
Apple Maps uses a variety of symbols to indicate road conditions and traffic events, ensuring you stay informed as you drive.
1. Red Circle with White Hyphen
- Meaning: A road closure is in effect between two points on your route.
2. Yellow Exclamation Mark
- Meaning: A lane is closed.
3. Yellow Square with a Worker Icon
- Meaning: Indicates road construction in progress.
4. Red Square with Car Icon
- Meaning: Denotes an accident on the road.
5. Yellow and Red Lines on the Road
- Meaning: Yellow lines show slow-moving traffic, while red lines indicate stop-and-go traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What does the binoculars icon mean on Apple Maps?
- The binoculars icon activates the Look Around feature, letting you explore an area at street level.
2. Can I change the map view on Apple Maps?
- Yes, you can toggle between 2D and 3D views by using the 2D/3D icon for a more detailed map experience.
3. What does the car icon do in Apple Maps?
- The car icon lets you choose between different map types, including Explore, Driving, Transit, or Satellite.
4. How can I check weather and AQI on Apple Maps?
- Use the sun/cloud icon to see current weather conditions and air quality information for your location.
5. What does the red circle with a hyphen mean on Apple Maps?
- This symbol indicates a road closure on your route.
Conclusion
Apple Maps offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance your navigation experience. By understanding the various icons and symbols that appear on the map, you can navigate more effectively, avoid traffic issues, and make informed decisions on the road. Whether you’re exploring a new city or simply getting from point A to point B, Apple Maps’ icons can provide valuable insights into your surroundings.