Yes, we're already aware that the iPhone does it all. From GPS to phone calls and Twitter to Facebook, the iPhone seems capable of handling just about everything short of short-order cooking. Perhaps that's why some companies like TomTom are so eager to get their GPS Apps (like this one) available for download - if the iPhone could handle it without the App, it might just put the GPS companies out of business! But if you're an iPhone user, you know why this is the case: the iPhone simply makes GPS convenient. And, of course, it fits in your pocket.
But how do you use an iPhone GPS, and how can you make sure to use it safely? You find the right equipment. In this article, we'll explore some methods and products you can check out for making sure you use iPhone GPS the right way.
Outside the Car
When you're not navigating in your car, you might not have as much need to use the iPhone GPS. Right? Perhaps, but that doesn't mean you won't have any need for GPS capabilities outside of the car. Popular uses for GPS as you're walking, for example, can include the golf range: if you want to line up your next shot properly, it will help to know the distance between your ball and the cup.
Using your GPS outside of the car means you'll have to make sure you have the right App for your situation, if the situation calls for one. In some cases, such as taking a walk, using your GPS might be a simple way of tracking the distance you've traveled, helping you to gauge the amount of exercise you've completed for the day.
There are a number of ways to use the GPS on your iPhone when you're walking or simply out and about, but one important way is to make sure you actually use the GPS to keep track of your location in relation to a fixed spot. This will help you to avoid getting lost on a walk in a new city, for example. Be sure you know how to use your GPS effectively before you go out exploring on a hike or in a new city.
Inside the Car
Of course, many people love to use the GPS inside the car, where most of their navigational abilities are required. In this case, you'll want to make sure you have an adequate iPhone GPS dock, such as this one with TomTom. You'll be able to use the GPS features in the car hands-free, just like you would with a traditional GPS device, at a cost similar to that of a fresh GPS device itself. It's a good way to supplement your iPhone and make sure that you don't get distracted when you're in the car: heck, it may even be illegal in your area to use the iPhone in another way.
Staying hands-free is critical inside the car, because you've got to be ready to steer the car properly at a millisecond's notice. Don't use your iPhone GPS system without some way of keeping it hands-free and keeping your eyes faced to the windshield.
If you don't have a dock available but need to use your iPhone for navigation anyway, have someone else hold it and read directions to you while you drive. If you don't have any company, then simply look at the map and your location when the car is not on the road and is at rest. Better safe than sorry.
There's a lot more you can do with your iPhone's GPS capabilities, but this article is only an introduction to that world. If you want to continue to explore the navigational capacities of your iPhone, we recommend you search for the appropriate App.