Using A Mobile Map

Many people assume that the main use of a mobile map is to simply view maps on a mobile handset. However, ever since the technology first hit mobile phones, it has developed at a phenomenal rate and developers have included a whole array of different features that can be used in a mobile map.

Users Can Instantly Find Their Current Location

The vast majority of applications allow the user to plot their current location on the mobile map with the touch of a button. Generally, this is performed using GPRS technology, although some applications do use GPS signals to widen their market. For those devices that do not benefit from GPRS, the user’s location can be slightly inaccurate although these misalignments are only by fractions and will not hinder the experience significantly.

Finding Directions

Undoubtedly the most popular feature in a mobile map is the ability to plot directions. Users can simply enter their current location and their desired destination, before the software will then fetch a variety of different routes. Certain applications allow users to search for different methods of transport, such as by car or public transit for example. What’s more, a lot of the modern applications will simply take the users current location automatically using the methods that were described above.

Satellite Navigation

A lot of the newer mobile map applications are including a variety of satellite navigational functions in their devices. Some of the premium mobile map software is so sophisticated that users will no longer require a standalone satellite navigational product. Features such as voice commands, lane guidance, speed alerts and time information are all included in the majority of paid mobile map applications, while some free versions are also starting to include such functions.

Yellow Pages

In certain mobile map applications, users can search for local businesses and find establishments that are located nearby. What’s more, many of the larger developers are providing users with access to a large database of business reviews, which allows them to make a choice on where they wish to travel to. As well as providing this information, most applications also give their users a simple call button which makes it extremely easy to contact the particular business.

Traffic Updates

The majority of established mobile map applications provide up-to-date traffic information to their users. This means that, if the software does not perform this automatically, users can plot a route that bypasses the busiest areas.

Using A Mobile Map Summary

In conclusion, it is clear to see that users have a vast array of features whilst using a mobile map. While the technology began as quite simple a few years ago, now it has established into a hugely sophisticated industry that is constantly updating itself. What’s more, the market is becoming so intense that other industries may feel threatened, with satellite navigation manufacturers being a prime example. Of course, like all technology, mobile maps are only going to advance further in the future and give users more other ways to utilise the software.