Is there a web version of Apple Maps?

Folks,

I am wondering if there is a web version of Apple Maps?


Before the trolls start chiming in, let me elaborate.


  1. Apple Maps are not great (technically speaking... they suck), google maps are better, I have multiple apps (WAZE, MotionX-Drive, etc) for NAV.
  2. Apple is not going to move back to Google maps, get over it.
  3. Apple needs to leverage the community to make their maps better
  4. Apple needs to make it possible for me to use the same mapping interface on multiple devices (not just iDevices)


On point 2, get over it. I don't like it either, but it is not enough of a reason for me to switch to another platform

On points 3 and 4. Give me an opportunity to help Apple make Apple maps better. I for one would love an alternative to Google and Bing, especially one that would allow me to have a single integrated app in my devices.


Thoughts?

iPhone 5, iOS 6

Posted on Sep 27, 2012 10:56 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 26, 2017 10:37 AM

Apple does have a web interface to their maps. If you use the URL scheme info from Map Links, and then modify the URL copied from any Maps app to add the word "place" before the CGI stream, you'll get a web page you can view in any browser. (e.g., change "https://maps.apple.com/?address=..." to "https://maps.apple.com/place?address=...")

As an example, here's the page for Apple Park. And just to prove it's not for common places, here's the location of a house I lived in when I was a boy.

NB: not all parameters are supported; e.g., I've not found the zoom (z) or type (t) parameters to have any impact on what's viewed. However, if you're building web pages for your business, this will allow you to craft a URL that non-GoOgle users can reference, that will also lead into the Maps app on any Apple device with a single tap.

13 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 26, 2017 10:37 AM in response to jay-sun-dev

Apple does have a web interface to their maps. If you use the URL scheme info from Map Links, and then modify the URL copied from any Maps app to add the word "place" before the CGI stream, you'll get a web page you can view in any browser. (e.g., change "https://maps.apple.com/?address=..." to "https://maps.apple.com/place?address=...")

As an example, here's the page for Apple Park. And just to prove it's not for common places, here's the location of a house I lived in when I was a boy.

NB: not all parameters are supported; e.g., I've not found the zoom (z) or type (t) parameters to have any impact on what's viewed. However, if you're building web pages for your business, this will allow you to craft a URL that non-GoOgle users can reference, that will also lead into the Maps app on any Apple device with a single tap.

Sep 27, 2012 11:52 AM in response to varjak paw

I appreciate the info this does help.


To expand on my original point of a web site. If I could browse and search apple Maps on the web AND I could leave feedback, I am confident I personally would leave more feedback. When I am searching for something on my phone and cannot find it, I will look else where, rarely will I submit feedback from the phone because honestly it takes too long and is annoying to give good feedback without a real keyboard. Also I tend to have more time when I am sitting at my desk.


That said, I am happy that we can at least provide some feedback through the phone, this should help apple to make the maps better in the long run (not to mention hiring Google Maps engineers).

Sep 27, 2012 12:20 PM in response to varjak paw

Good point, I did not think about the fact that Appled doesn't own the maps.


In that case Tom Tom and others are doing themselves a disservice with any bogus data.


I see ton's of potential here for Apple and others to reclaim some of the navigation market from google, but they will only re-inforce that google is better if they dont quickly fix.


It is an exciting and competitive world se live in (and some times a little frustrating 🙂 )

Dec 12, 2012 12:01 PM in response to Ozerion

I agree with the frustrations with not having a Web version of Apple's Maps to access, not being able to do an at-desk preview of the drive I'm gonna take, or send others onto. In my case, I am regularly providing location addresses to members of my work crews, in which I include the specific street address (which can be clicked on from their iOS device), a screensnap of the map, as well as a link (link to Google's map page) to the location. Previously, this method would provide easy access via any one of the options, from any sort of device. Currently, the link option is no longer as efficient as it once was (for iOS6 folks), as the user is now taken into the browser version of Google's maps. Sure, it works, but it's not as 'fluid' an experience.


Seeing how more than 90% of my crews use the iPhone, I would much rather provide a link that opens Apple's Maps, instead of Google's web page via a browser.


Does anyone know if this is possible?


I hate to say it, but Maps is the main reason that I am still running iOS 5.1.1 and have not upgraded to the iPhone 5, and am sticking with my iPhone 4 until the "5S" becomes available, or my phone falls into the toilet again ... though my LifeProof case will keep me alive through that! I still have hope that Google will get an app approved, but then again, would it even be able to be the default map that a link would open within???

Apr 14, 2014 6:34 AM in response to Ozerion

*ahem* I should first point out that I am a Google fanboy, BUT I won't be going into the "Google Maps, herp derp, Apple stupid" garbage (unless you want me to ;~P). I just figured that I should point out a small correction in something mentioned earlier:


varjak paw The old house on the hill

This may not be something Apple could do since they don't own the map content. That comes from TomTom and others and the licensing may not allow other uses. But you can suggest it.

Regards.



It is not TomTom's data which broke Apple Maps. It was largely Apple's poor implementation of data they purchased from companies such as TomTom. This is proven by the gradual improvement of Apple Maps since its initial release. They're smoothing over the data they crammed into an app and using it properly. Also, my family uses a TomTom GPS for family trips, so I had the opportunity to compare Google Maps (via my LG Spectrum) vs TomTom vs Apple Maps (via my cousin's iPhone 4S). At the time of Apple Maps's release, it was out of the running half the time. Google Maps and TomTom were always pretty close. The only thing I feel had a real advantage was Google Maps seemed to know which side of the street the location was more often (ex. "destination in 400 ft on right"). Which if you prefer TomTom navigaion, that's really nothing worth switching for.


On a side note, if anyone really does want to have an intelligent discussion regarding the pros and cons of iOS vs Android, then let me know ;~)

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Is there a web version of Apple Maps?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.