Guest
Guest
Jun 13, 2022
2:26 AM
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When you need to get from point A to point B and you’re not familiar with the area, you turn to a navigation app. But what if your phone glitches or the signal is too weak? You won’t be able to get where you need to go. That’s why it’s important to know how to use mapquest directions software even when your phone isn’t working properly. We all know we can type in an address and see the corresponding location on an map, but there are several ways that applications like these can make your travels easier. By learning some tips, tricks, and secrets of Mapquest and other mapping services, you can get the most out of them whether you have cell service or not.
Turn off live updates and notifications.
Whenever you look up directions, you may notice that the app gives you an option to “enable live updates.” When this feature is on, directions are constantly being updated in real time as you move around. While this is useful in some cases, it drains your battery, and if you have a limited data plan, it can eat up your data. Be sure to turn off live updates and notifications if you don’t need them so that you don’t waste your battery. If you don’t want to turn off all notifications, though, you can also set your preferred notification settings to “normal” instead of “priority” or “silent.” This way, your phone won’t go off every time you get a new direction.
Zoom in before you start your trip.
Before you start your trip, zoom in as far as you can. This will allow you to see more details of the road, like any construction zones or speed traps that may be ahead, and you can zoom back out once you’re on the road. While you’re zooming in and out, take note of any places of interest you see along the way. You might discover a great place to eat or find your turnoff before you see it, just because you were paying attention. If you plan to stop on your trip, you can mark that on the map, too. This will help you know where you stopped when you look at your map later, as well as give you directions back to your original route.
Check the road conditions.
Are there any road closures or construction zones that you should know about? Is there flooding or other weather-related driving conditions in your area? You can check these things before you get on the road, so you won’t take a detour, only to find out that your route is closed. Unfortunately, mapping apps don’t always reflect road conditions accurately, so you should also keep an eye on local news and/or be prepared to turn around if you discover there are road closures or other hazards.
Estimate how long your trip will take.
If you’re driving to a schedule, you can estimate how long your trip will take by clicking on the “ETA” (or estimated time arrival) at the top of the map. It will also show you an estimated speed and driving time, giving you a great idea of when you’ll arrive. If you have to take your kids to school or have an appointment at a certain time, put that information in your notes before you start driving. Your map will have a countdown of how long you have left to get there.
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