How do I create a custom path in Apple maps?

Blaze Your Own Trail: Creating Custom Walking Routes in Apple Maps

Tired of relying on pre-determined paths that don’t quite fit your walking preferences? Wish you could meticulously plan your next hike, city stroll, or even a shortcut through the park, ensuring you hit all the right spots? The good news is, while Apple Maps isn’t known for explicit “custom path creation” in the way dedicated hiking apps might be, you can absolutely craft personalized walking routes on your iPhone to guide your adventures. Here’s how you can leverage Apple Maps’ features to map out your perfect journey:

The Key: Strategic Waypoint Placement

While Apple Maps doesn’t have a “draw a line” function for creating routes, you can effectively build your own custom path by strategically using waypoints – essentially, creating a route with a series of specific destinations that, when connected, define your desired trail.

Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Start with Your Origin: Open the Apple Maps app on your iPhone. Start by pinpointing your desired starting location. You can either search for it by address or simply tap and hold on the map at your desired spot.

2. Initiate Directions: Once you’ve selected your starting point, tap the “Directions” button.

3. Choose Walking (and Ignore the Suggested Route for Now): Select the walking icon as your mode of transportation. Apple Maps will automatically calculate a route, but don’t worry about that just yet. We’re about to customize it!

4. Add Waypoints – Your Secret Weapon: This is where the magic happens. Tap the “…” (More) button at the bottom of the screen. You should see an option to “Add Stop.” Tap this to insert your first waypoint.

5. Define Your First Waypoint: Enter the address or name of your first desired point along your custom route. You can also tap on the map to select a specific location.

6. Repeat for Each Point: Continue adding stops using the “Add Stop” option, strategically placing them along the route you envision. Consider landmarks, street corners, park entrances, or any specific point you want to pass.

7. Reorder as Needed: If you’ve added your waypoints in the wrong order, don’t fret! You can easily reorder them by pressing and holding the three horizontal lines next to each stop and dragging them into the correct sequence. This ensures Apple Maps follows your intended path.

8. Review and Refine: Once you’ve added all your desired waypoints, carefully review the route Apple Maps has generated. Make sure the connecting lines between each waypoint trace the path you intend to follow. You can always adjust the position of your waypoints or add more to fine-tune the route.

9. Save for Future Adventures (Workaround): While Apple Maps doesn’t explicitly have a “Save Route” feature, there are a couple of workarounds:

   • Screenshots: The simplest method is to take screenshots of the map showing your custom route and waypoints. This allows you to easily reference the route later.
   • Create a Collection: You can create a collection in Apple Maps and save each waypoint as a favorite place within that collection. While you won’t have the connected route displayed, you’ll have easy access to each point.

Tips for Optimizing Your Custom Walking Route:

• Zoom in for Precision: When placing waypoints, zoom in closely on the map to ensure accuracy, especially in areas with complex street layouts.
• Consider Street Views: Use Apple Maps’ Look Around feature (similar to Google Street View) to visually confirm the landmarks at your waypoints, ensuring you’re selecting the correct locations.
• Factor in Accessibility: When planning your route, be mindful of factors like pedestrian crossings, sidewalk availability, and potential obstacles.
• Experiment with Alternatives: Don’t be afraid to play around with different waypoint placements to achieve the optimal route.

The Limitations:

It’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations. Apple Maps isn’t primarily designed for advanced route planning like specialized hiking apps. You won’t have features like elevation profiles, detailed trail markings, or offline map access (without downloading sections for offline use beforehand). However, for general walking and city exploration, this waypoint method offers a surprisingly effective way to create personalized routes within the familiar Apple Maps environment.

Conclusion:

While not a dedicated “custom route creator,” Apple Maps, with a little creativity and the strategic use of waypoints, can become a powerful tool for crafting personalized walking routes. So, go ahead, explore your neighborhood, discover hidden gems, and blaze your own trail with Apple Maps! Remember to be safe, be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy the journey.