Apple Watch apps offer many useful tools for tourists, hikers, and campers. Here are five new features that make Apple Watch a valuable companion for outdoor activities.
Simplified navigation
The latest models of Apple Watch with watchOS 10 are equipped with waypoint and backtracking functions. Waypoints automatically save the last known location with cellular signal and a contact point in case of emergencies. During a hike, waypoints are updated when new network signals are detected. In case of an emergency, reaching the nearest contact point as quickly as possible is important. The backtracking tool helps users return to a previously saved waypoint or the starting point using digital breadcrumbs.
Improved topographic maps
With the update to watchOS 10, Apple Maps now includes detailed topographic views. Contour lines and shading indicate changes in terrain elevation, providing valuable information for tourists. These topographic maps can be saved for offline browsing, making navigation easier in remote and inaccessible areas.
Trail and landmark data
Apple has updated its Maps app, adding marked places such as trailheads and interesting spots accessible to pedestrians. Marked trails provide information such as name, length, and user-added photos. This feature helps hikers assess whether a steep trail is worth the effort based on visual cues from above.
Urban exploration with “What’s Walking Distance?”
The “What’s Walking Distance?” tool in the Maps app is designed for urban tours but proves surprisingly useful on nature excursions. It displays circles on the map interface, indicating different landmarks, points of interest, and travel times in minutes. This feature helps users discover interesting places in both urban and rural settings.
Offline Siri interaction
The new S9 processor in Apple Watch Series 9 allows users to interact with Siri in offline mode. Thanks to the Neural Engine processor, an internet connection is not required to give commands or ask basic questions. This feature is useful, for example, for estimating sunset time or determining travel time without interrupting outdoor activities.
Source: Apple Magazine
FAQ:
1. What Apple Watch features are useful for nature enthusiasts?
Apple Watch offers navigation features, topographic maps, trail and landmark data, searching for interesting places in scenic areas, and interacting with Siri without internet access.
2. Can topographic maps be viewed offline?
Yes, updated topographic maps in Apple Maps can be saved and browsed without an internet connection.
3. What information do trail and landmark data provide?
Marked trails provide information such as name, length, and user photos, which help in evaluating the difficulty of a route based on visual orientation from above.
Definitions:
Waypoints: In navigation, waypoints are saved locations used for navigation purposes, such as the start of a trail or an evacuation point.
Topographic maps: Detailed maps that depict the terrain using contour lines and shading, showing changes in terrain elevation.
Marked places: Landmarks on a map marked with indicators that indicate trailheads and interesting spots accessible to pedestrians.
Siri: Apple’s voice assistant that responds to commands and user questions.
The source of the article is from the blog newyorkpostgazette.com