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Can I set "current location" as an end point in Apple iPhone Google Maps?

Hi Dave. I'm hugely enamored of the Google Maps feature on my Apple iPhone, but there's one thing that baffles me: how do I reset the "current location" as a starting or ending point when I'm using the phone for directions?


Dave's Answer:

It took me the longest time to figure this one out too, so you're not alone in being puzzled. I kept looking for a "radar spot" icon (y'know, like the button you push to have it show your current location on the map view) but there isn't one that lets you do that.

Fortunately, when your question came in, I was driving through Oklahoma -- of all things -- and captured a few iPhone screen shots to show you the correct process.

First off, here are the directions I was seeing on my phone:

iphone google map wrong directions

Pushing the "Edit" button on the top left got me here:

iphone google map edit destination

Problem was, I didn't care about the previous starting point, I wanted to know how much time was left in the drive from my current location to my desired destination (scenic Ardmore, Oklahoma).

Here's the secret.

Ready?

Just start typing in current location and...

iphone google map enter current location

ta daaa! it shows you the matches as you type, just like any other iPhone app, but in this case the possible match of "current location" is shown in blue to differentiate it from any other option.

Tap on it and ...

iphone google map enter current location 2

Finally, press "Route" in the lower right and you'll indeed update that end point:

iphone google map new directions

So that's the secret and it's not clear at all: just type cu or so and you'll see "current location" pop up as a completion possibility. Choose it and you're golden!



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Comments

This confused me for quite some time as well. I never even knew about your solution Dave but it's certainly a good one. I can't verify this 100% now, but I believe I did the following.

If you hit the Current Location (Radar) button on the main map page BEFORE you go into the directions, I believe it then puts it into one of the address fields for you.

I think that works for me, but the previous solutions is also easy enough.

Posted by: Joe at March 17, 2009 10:53 AM

I have been using Google Maps on my iPhone for months now, too and I am very happy with it. I also have a little trick about using Google Maps on the iPhone when you're abroad and you don't want to incur Data Roaming costs- download the portion of Google Maps to your iPhone and view them offline using an app like AirSharing. Read a detailed "how to" on my blog here: http://iphone-office.blogspot.com/2008/12/getting-most-out-of-iphone-maps-and.html
Thanks Dave!

Posted by: iPhone Office at April 13, 2009 11:30 PM

I have a lot to say, but ...
Starbucks coffee cup I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!











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