What does the maps widget do?

Yes, you can. Just enter the destination, but don't tap GO. When you next open the app it will still be there. You can also save it as a Favorite if you go to the same destination regularly. Each time you use it the app will recalculate based on current traffic conditions.

Note that there are other good navigation apps, such as Google Maps and Waze. Waze is probably the most popular as it has the most up-to-date crowd-sourced traffic information. And when you report errors or suggestions they get fixed really quickly by a team of volunteers (which you can join if you want to).

It would depend on which of the Map widgets you add. I'm guessing that you are referring to the act of swiping to the right to get the page with other widgets. In looking on my device there are several different Map widgets to choose from.

Interesting, since I don't use any Siri shortcuts. I have Google Maps loaded on my iPhone as well, and it has 5 listings, Directions, Local Guides, Traffic, Transit Departures, and Travel Times. It seems we are beginning to lose some simplicity.

Siri monitors what you do and automatically generates scripts for commonly used sequences of actions. This is independent of the Shortcuts app. Go to Settings/Siri & Search and you will see a list of suggested shortcuts, "all shortcuts" and a link to your shortcuts.

True, but the Apple "Maps" app is the only one that is built in. You have to add others.

I don't have any of those, just the Apple Maps.

Update: Ah, those would be Siri-generated scripts (shortcuts).

Thanks. I've not seen them in that way (Widgets), but have seen them when I look at search and other things. Thanks for your wisdom.

You can do that with your Maps App.

Yes, but in mine, I see the following widgets:

Maps Destinations

Maps Nearby

Maps Transit

All seem to be referring to the Apple Maps app by the icon.