One of the big changes that iOS 15 brought with it was, without a doubt, rich maps. Available only in select cities around the world, Apple Maps now offers highly detailed 3D city views, enhanced navigation, immersive augmented reality walking directions, and hand-curated POIs for some of the most iconic landmarks in each city.
The list of cities available with rich maps was quite limited, but gradually Apple increased the ones that were available in the application, and now it is the turn of Spain and Portugal.
Starting today, October 6, Apple Maps with detailed views is available on Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon, although more cities will be added in the future. To activate the new detailed view in Maps, you don’t have to do anything because there’s no need to update the Apple Maps app or operating system.
All the news comes to Apple Maps with detailed views of Madrid and Barcelona.
The next time you open Maps and move to Madrid or Barcelona, you’ll have access to a new detailed view that not only includes an aesthetic improvement to the display, but also comes with new features, including the following:
- Improved navigation: Road markings, surface type, trees, elevation, public transit routes indicating turn lanes, median lanes, bus and taxi lanes, and pedestrian crossings clearly displayed when navigating busy intersections.
- Detailed presentation for drivers. As you approach complex intersections, Maps displays a road-level image, making it easy to see traffic conditions or the best exit lane. Also the entrance to the tunnels.
- Both Madrid and Barcelona have some of the most iconic hand-crafted landmarks, such as the Prado Museum, Puerta de Alcalá or the Sagrada Familia, whose appearance changes depending on whether dark mode is active or not.
Indications for cyclists reach Spain
Along with detailed views of Madrid and Barcelona, another great new feature coming to Apple Maps starting today is cycling routes available throughout the country. While bike directions have been available in Apple Maps until now, step-by-step directions weren’t available. Now Spain joins other countries in which this functionality is available, which is ideal for those who bike around the city, especially with an Apple Watch on their wrist.
From now on, whenever we look for directions using Apple Maps, in addition to directions by car, foot or public transport, we can also see detailed directions, including turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance, cycling routes along the bike. paths and roads suitable for cyclists. When you select this route type, Apple Maps not only suggests the route you should take on your bike, but also specific information, including:
- Preview the ride’s altitude, as well as whether there are challenging routes such as hills or busy roads along the route.
- Real-time altitude information along the way, including display on the Apple Watch itself.
- Instructions for dismounting and walking when approaching certain intersections or areas where bicycles are prohibited.
- Bicycle-specific POIs such as public restrooms, stopping places, bike repair shops, etc.
As we say, bike routes with detailed directions are also available on Apple Watch. Includes elevation views along your route, haptic feedback for turn-by-turn directions, and voice prompts for speed and distance.
Source: Hiper Textual
I’m Ben Stock, a highly experienced and passionate journalist with a career in the news industry spanning more than 10 years. I specialize in writing content for websites, including researching and interviewing sources to produce engaging articles. My current role is as an author at Gadget Onus, where I mainly cover the mobile section.
