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Is it possible to disable map rotation?

B

booksacool1

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 17, 2004
292
1
Australia
Hey guys,

Whenever I use Apple Maps and Google Maps I have the same frustrating problem. Whenever I zoom in/out, the map tilts slightly (sometimes a lot). Then I need to reset it by tapping on the compass. Especially when I'm holding the iphone and manipulating the screen with the same hand.

Is it possible to 'lock' the map so it always points north, like in the old versions? I really never, ever, ever need to manually point the map somewhere.
 
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Really? I don't use google maps, but I use Apple's maps and I don't have this problem at all, even when making fairly wild pinch-zoom gestures.

There isn't a way to lock it in Apple maps. I don't know about Google's maps.

Perhaps work on your pinching technique? :p
 
booksacool1 said:
Hey guys,

Whenever I use Apple Maps and Google Maps I have the same frustrating problem. Whenever I zoom in/out, the map tilts slightly (sometimes a lot). Then I need to reset it by tapping on the compass. Especially when I'm holding the iphone and manipulating the screen with the same hand.

Is it possible to 'lock' the map so it always points north, like in the old versions? I really never, ever, ever need to manually point the map somewhere.
Click to expand...


Work on your pinching. And how bad can it be, really?
 
I love it. Apple removes a feature that someone apparently requires and, rather than offer help or a solution, people blame the one asking for help. :rolleyes:

Sadly, it's now a missing feature in both maps and the only option (at this point) is to send feedback requesting it.
 
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petrucci666 said:
Work on your pinching. And how bad can it be, really?
Click to expand...

Well for one, the previous version didn't do this. Honestly what use does this 'feature' provide anyway? Maps around here always oriented with north up.

But the real problem is when using the phone one handed with the same hand holding the phone (e.g. while lost in town). Sometimes I send the map on this disorienting spin. I see other people do this too.

I want my old google maps back :(

cyks said:
Sadly, it's now a missing feature in both maps and the only option (at this point) is to send feedback requesting it.
Click to expand...

Cheers. Will do.
 
booksacool1 said:
Well for one, the previous version didn't do this. Honestly what use does this 'feature' provide anyway? Maps around here always oriented with north up.

But the real problem is when using the phone one handed with the same hand holding the phone (e.g. while lost in town). Sometimes I send the map on this disorienting spin. I see other people do this too.

I want my old google maps back :(



Cheers. Will do.
Click to expand...


The easy fix for 'sending the map on a disorienting spin' is to just hit the 'Current Location' compass in the bottom left. When holding the phone in one hand, it's tough to pinch the map.

The new Google Maps is far better than the last one. Suggested places for one. Also, a Yelp-like suggestion engine for 'restaurants, bars, gas stations' etc.

Not to mention the level of detail compared to Apple Maps.
 
booksacool1 said:
Well for one, the previous version didn't do this. Honestly what use does this 'feature' provide anyway? Maps around here always oriented with north up.
Click to expand...

That's because the previous version was bitmap based and unable to rotate. The main reason it does now is for turn by turn navigation.
 
8a22a said:
That's because the previous version was bitmap based and unable to rotate. The main reason it does now is for turn by turn navigation.
Click to expand...

The old version rotated just fine and had an 'orientation lock' which has since been removed. The only limitation the bitmap images caused was that it couldn't zoom in/out smoothly.
 
8a22a said:
That's because the previous version was bitmap based and unable to rotate. The main reason it does now is for turn by turn navigation.
Click to expand...

The previous map rotated just fine on compass mode.

petrucci666 said:
The easy fix for 'sending the map on a disorienting spin' is to just hit the 'Current Location' compass in the bottom left. When holding the phone in one hand, it's tough to pinch the map..
Click to expand...

I used to be able to zoom with one hand just fine. But ever since iOS 6, I can't. Having to tap the compass every time is frustrating. I don't deny that the new map isn't much better, but using it is like holding on to a slippery fish.
 
This is strange. Neither Apple Maps nor Google Maps auto rotates on my phone--I have to actually select the location icon at the bottom left (usually tapping it twice actually) before it would rotate to follow my phone vs. simply pointing north.

That said, I just played around zooming in and out, and noticed that if I try to pinch-to-zoom or the opposite of that to zoom out, if I rotate my fingers a bit while doing it it will rotate the map in addition to zooming in or out. Typically it doesn't happen as I don't rotate my fingers when I do it, but if I rotate them on purpose it will do it. Perhaps you are doing that gesture and rotating your figures for some reason and if you don't rotate them you'll be fine?

You can aslo use double-tap on a spot on the map to zoom in, and single tap with two fingers to zoom out.
 
Bad UI change

This "NEW" rotating feature does not add anything but trouble in my perspective

It is amazing annoying to me & provide zero benefit I can see for a user.

Brilliant !!
 
This is a novelty feature that requires a toggle setting. Google maps does slightly mitigate the issue by offering zoom through double tap+drag, but that's hardly the sought for solution.
 
I used to be annoyed by this too, but I learned that Google added a new gesture which lets you easily zoom in/out with one hand. It's arguably even easier than the one handed pinch: you double tap, but hold your second tap and drag up (zoom in) or down (zoom out). It works very well and you can keep zooming until you let go so you can get it just right. Love this feature!
 
booksacool1 said:
Hey guys,

Whenever I use Apple Maps and Google Maps I have the same frustrating problem. Whenever I zoom in/out, the map tilts slightly (sometimes a lot). Then I need to reset it by tapping on the compass. Especially when I'm holding the iphone and manipulating the screen with the same hand.

Is it possible to 'lock' the map so it always points north, like in the old versions? I really never, ever, ever need to manually point the map somewhere.
Click to expand...

You will be happy to know that iOS 11 brings the Google Maps zoom in/out feature! Where you can zoom in and out single-handedly.
 
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