Maps — how can I hide (collapse or minimize) the side bar?

I don’t have this question anymore, but it looks like a lot of people have.

Tap the VERY tiny, very short line at the very, very bottom of the sidebar. Violà!

If you’d like that button placed in a more prominent position, here’s the link to request that feature: Feedback - iPad - Apple. I just did. As more people request a feature, the software engineers are more likely to make it a priority.

It would be nice if we could hide the search field, altogether.