Use Siri to open Google Maps & get directions

[r2shyyou]

I searched around for a bit and didn't see that this had been posted so here goes:

According to MacStories, you can "trick" Siri into opening and providing directions via the new Google Maps app:

http://www.macstories.net/tutorials/open-google-maps-directions-with-siri-or-launch-center-pro/

I haven't tried it yet but it looks pretty straightforward. There appears to still be a couple of taps involved once you make your request to Siri but for those looking to use Google Maps via Siri (or for those just looking to tinker), this should help.

For those that give it a try (until I do, myself), how'd it go?

 

[Beeplance]

Instructions look kinda complicated.

Since you already understood, can you give us the short and easier-to-understand version?

 

[MozMan68]

I was able to open Google maps and figure out 5 directions in the time it would have taken me to implement that "shortcut"

 

[r2shyyou]

Instructions look kinda complicated.

Since you already understood, can you give us the short and easier-to-understand version?

Not exactly shorter or easier...but here you go:

Getting Destination Address search string for URL below

1. Search for the desired destination address via maps.google.com (using non-mobile device/website...might be the same or different using mobile but I haven't checked)
2. Click on 'Link' button in left sidebar and copy search string only, including '+' characters (don't copy from browser address bar)
   1. Link appears as follows (for me): https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Apple+Headquarters,+1+Infinite+Loop,+Cupertino,+CA&hl=en&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hq=Apple+Headquarters,+1+Infinite+Loop,+Cupertino,+CA&radius=15000&t=m&z=16
   2. Copy only following: Apple+Headquarters,+1+Infinite+Loop,+Cupertino,+CA

Constructing the URL to add to contact below (do not add spaces)

1. First part will always be: comgooglemaps://
2. Second part is the starting address and should be left blank for directions from 'current location': ?saddr=
3. Third part is the destination address and should include the search string from above after the following: &daddr= (e.g. &daddr=Apple+Headquarters,+1+Infinite+Loop,+Cupertino,+CA)
4. Final parts (fourth, fifth, & sixth) are customizable options for how you want the map & directions to appear. The following example is for walking directions using satellite view in standard (not Street View) mode: &directionsmode=walking&views=satellite&mapmode=standard
5. Final URL will appear as follows: comgooglemaps://?saddr=&daddr=Apple+Headquarters,+1+Infinite+Loop,+Cupertino,+CA&directionsmode=walking&views=satellite&mapmode=standard

Creating the contact that Siri will reference

1. Create a contact with a name that you'd like to use when activating Siri (e.g. 'Apple Headquarters', 'Home on Main Street')
   1. Creating one for 'Home' probably requires a unique name since asking Siri for directions to 'Home' will likely lead to Apple's Maps.app opening based on the address linked to your own contact card labeled 'Home'
2. Enter the desired, appropriately formatted URL (see below) in the appropriate field in the contact card and hit 'Done'

Walking from my location to Apple HQ: 3,060 mi, 977 hours

Source: http://www.macstories.net/tutorials/open-google-maps-directions-with-siri-or-launch-center-pro/
Google Maps URL Scheme: https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/ios/urlscheme