Maps & Location Add interactive maps, directions, place search, and location tracking using Apple’s built-in frameworks.
What You Can Build
Map Display — Show maps with markersUser Location — Track where users areDirections — Route calculation and navigationPlace Search — Find locations by nameGeocoding — Convert addresses to coordinates
Built-In vs External Apple MapKit (Built-In) Pros:
No API key needed
Free (included in iOS)
Privacy-focused
Native performance
Cons:
iOS only
Limited customization
No Street View
Google Maps (External) Pros:
More detailed in some areas
Street View
Cross-platform
Cons:
Requires API key
Has usage costs
More setup
Recommendation: Start with Apple MapKit. It covers most needs and is easier to set up.Displaying a Map Basic Map Add a map that shows the user's current location with a blue dot indicator.
Map with Markers Show a map with markers for each location in my list. Each marker should show the location name when tapped.
Customizing the Map Configure the map to: - Show standard view (not satellite) - Enable user location - Allow zooming and panning - Start centered on San Francisco
User Location Requesting Permission Request location permission when the map loads. Show an explanation of why we need location.
Permission is required to access location:
When In Use — Only while app is openAlways — Even in background (rarely needed)
Getting Current Location Get the user's current location and show it on the map. Add a button to re-center on their location.
Tracking Location Track the user's location as they move. Update the map to follow them. Show their path as a line.
Place Search Search by Name Add a search bar that finds places: - User types a query (e.g., "coffee shops") - Show results in a list below - Tap result to show on map
Search Nearby Search for restaurants within 1 mile of the user. Show results as markers on the map.
Directions Getting Directions Add directions from user's location to a selected place: - Calculate the route - Show the path on the map - Display distance and estimated time
Multiple Routes Show multiple route options: - Fastest route - Alternative routes - User can tap to select
Turn-by-Turn Instructions Show turn-by-turn directions as a list: - Each step with instruction - Distance for each segment - Scroll to highlight current step
Geocoding Address to Coordinates Convert an address to map coordinates: - User enters address - Convert to latitude/longitude - Show marker on map
Coordinates to Address Convert tapped location to address: - User taps on map - Get the street address - Display in a popup
Map Annotations Custom Markers Use custom icons for map markers: - Restaurants: fork and knife icon - Shops: shopping bag icon - User location: blue dot
Marker Details When user taps a marker: - Show detail card with name and address - "Get Directions" button - "Call" button if phone number available
Clustering When there are many markers close together, group them into clusters showing the count. Tap to zoom into the cluster.
Common Use Cases Store Locator Create a store locator: - Show all store locations on map - List view below the map - Search by city or zip - Filter by features (24hr, drive-thru) - Tap for directions
Delivery Tracking Build delivery tracking: - Show driver location (live) - Show destination - Draw route between them - Update ETA as driver moves
Location Check-In Add location check-in: - Detect when user is near a place - Prompt to "check in" - Record the check-in with timestamp
Location Settings Accuracy Levels Level Use Case Battery Best Precise tracking High Kilometer City-level Medium Three Kilometers Region Low
Use kilometer accuracy to save battery while still showing relevant nearby places.
Background Location Background location drains battery and requires special justification for App Store approval. Only use if truly necessary.
Privacy Considerations Permission Best Practices
Only request location when needed
Use “When In Use” unless you need background
Explain why you need location
Work gracefully without location
Handling Denied Permission If location is denied: - Show a friendly message - Let users enter location manually - Show button to open Settings
Troubleshooting
Check internet connection
Verify map region is set
Check if map view is sized correctly
Is permission granted?
Simulator: Set location in Features menu
Real device: Check Privacy settings
Search returning no results
Check the query isn’t empty
Try broader search terms
Verify network connection
Start and end points valid?
Route possible by selected mode?
Network connection available?
Testing Location In Simulator Set simulated locations:
Features → Location → Custom Location
Or choose preset (City Run, Freeway Drive)
On Device Real device uses actual GPS. Walk around to test tracking.
Next Steps 