Some GPS apps download a map and points-of-interest database to your device, which saves mobile data and battery life. Other apps download maps as you drive, bike, hike, or ski. These on-the-fly maps take up less memory on the iPhone and are easier to update. However, continuous GPS usage decreases battery life. GPS navigation apps are either traffic-specific navigation apps or recreational activity apps. Traffic navigation apps include highway maps, turn-by-turn directions, and points of interest for drivers, walkers, transit riders, and bikers. Recreational activity GPS apps specialize in off-road uses, including hiking, biking, and sailing. Traffic is powered by Waze, which Google owns. It calculates a way around traffic problems, if possible. Google Maps displays icons for construction, incidents (such as car crashes and potholes), and police presence. Color-coding indicates the amount of traffic. The Google Maps feature list includes address and points-of-interest search using the Google Local Search utility. It offers ratings and local reviews. It also syncs searches and favorites (with a Google login). Choose from several map views: traffic, public transit, biking, satellite, terrain, or Google Earth. Many languages are available, and you can adjust the voice guidance volume separately: softer, normal, or louder. You can also play voice prompts over Bluetooth if you want to use your car speakers. Google Maps is free and available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 10 or later. The app’s attractive design provides an intuitive user interface that guides drivers, walkers, and cyclists with turn-by-turn spoken directions. It provides an arrival time by factoring in real-time traffic information and the current speed limit. Commuters can access real-time transit information in many cities with live arrival and departure times of the user’s bus or train. On flights, get indoor maps of airport terminals, including the locations of restaurants and restrooms. The app’s Flyover Mode and 3D city views give a Google Earth-like experience: a 3D city image to explore virtually before a trip. Add favorites, favorite locations, and enjoy proactive suggestions. Enhancements made in the iOS 14.5 upgrade include a way to share your ETA when walking or riding a bike and, via CarPlay, to share your ETA using Siri. In addition, safely report a traffic incident hands-free using Siri or CarPlay (in the U.S. and China). Say something like, “Siri, there’s a crash up ahead,” to report the incident without using your phone. You can also manually report an incident or a cleared incident using the Apple Maps Report an Incident screen. Apple Maps is free and available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 6 or later or iPadOS 13 or later. Lane guidance is a standout feature of TomTom GO Navigation. Never miss a turn again because you’re in the wrong lane. Relax while the app’s speed camera monitors posted speeds and alerts you to fixed and mobile speed cameras (requires an internet connection). Choose from a selection of offline maps for your region for those times when you don’t have internet access or data roaming to plan a route. The app is preloaded with useful points of interest. Find destinations faster with Quick Search, which finds locations as you start typing. You can also select locations you find on websites or other apps by copying the URL and pasting it into Quick Search. Or, tap your favorite destination on the map, and you’re on your way. TomTomGO Navigation is available for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 11 or later. It’s a free app download with 50 free miles per month or a free trial period followed by a 1-month ($1.99), 3-month ($4.99), or 6-month ($8.99) subscription. The app’s social layer lets users contribute traffic jam, road hazard, speed trap, and similar information to the overall database. If you opt-in, Waze detects when you are traveling below the speed limit, contributing to real-time traffic data for all users. The app uses on-the-fly maps, so an internet connection is needed to navigate and communicate with other Waze users to share reported road hazards. Add a photo to road reports or integrate with FourSquare, Twitter, or Facebook. Waze is free with advertisements and available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch with iOS 10 or later. The VZ Navigator traffic app is known for its extensive 3D imagery that includes 3D maps of major U.S. cities. It also features audible traffic alerts and real-time traffic updates. Its SmartView feature lets you select from multiple views, including list, dashboard, 3D, virtual city, and sky views. VA Navigator recognizes voice address input and integrates with Facebook. It offers gas price search information and supports messaging to share your location. The app supports Spanish as well as English. VZ Navigator is available for Phone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 8 or later. It includes a free 30-day trial followed by a $4.99 monthly subscription. Wherever you are, use the app’s Discover tab to find hikes and nearby trails. Bikers can mount Gaia GPS to the handlebars for hands-free navigation, and hunters can distinguish between public and private land with state-by-state hunting information. Skiers find powder and avoid avalanche terrain with Gaia GPS. This app is so robust, it is used by firefighters, land managers, and search and rescue teams. Gaia GPS is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 10 or later. It includes a free level, a Member level for $19.99, and a Premium level for $39.95.
