What is the Maps blue arrow perpendicular to the direction?

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Level 2

157 points

What is the Maps blue arrow perpendicular to the direction?

Hi,

When using Maps on my iPhone while driving, the blue dot correctly moves with the vehicle. But there is the little blue arrow that keeps pointing perpendicular to the direction. Any idea what that arrow is supposed to point to? I would have thought that it would point to the heading direction, but no, it's just pointing 90° to the left.

If I switch to compass mode, the map rotates accordingly but the blue arrow still points 90° left.

Landscape mode or portrait have absolutely no effects.

Then I tried to switch form my iPhone XS to my iPhone 6S, same thing.

What's the purpose of this arrow then?

iOS 13.3

Two screenshots included.

iPhone XS

Posted on Jan 4, 2020 8:20 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 7, 2020 10:40 AM in response to sjordi

Hello there, and welcome to Apple Support Communities, sjordi!

From my understanding, you have questions regarding the arrow indicator on Maps that shows your location. I use Maps to help me get around through the day too, so I’d be happy to help.

To get started, the indicator that you’re referring to is your iPhone attempting to show the direction that it or your vehicle is facing. This can sometimes result in what you see here, as it uses “GPS, Bluetooth, crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspots, and cellular towers to determine your location.”

So, as you drive, your iPhone is using these locations to help determine your speed, location, and more. You can read more about that here: If the Maps app isn't working on your Apple device - Apple Support

There are also steps included in the article above if the arrow never moves and it seems that your location isn’t being tracked properly. I hope that answers your question.

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. Have a great day!

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Answer 2

sjordi Author

Level 2

157 points

Jan 7, 2020 11:09 AM in response to Matthew.S81

Hi,

The problem is not the accuracy of the position, which is perfect. It's just that blue arrow that always points 90° to the left. No matter where I am, no matter the density of towers, the clogged or open skies. The reference point is ok, but the direction is definitely never facing the direction of the vehicle, it's always wrong, and always 90° to the left.

If I launch the iPhone Compass, it correctly points to the North. Not Maps. When I set Maps to show the North, it's also wrong.

Thanks anyway.

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What is the Maps blue arrow perpendicular to the direction?

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