Google Navigation: Showing Navigation w/o a Destination

[dak244]

Can anyone confirm if Google Navigation can be used to just show your progress/location on a road while driving, without having to have an actual destination input?

I know this was shown on a few of Rob's videos as not being possible, but just wanted to confirm if anyone had any further info on it.

 

[Redflea]

Why wouldn't you just use Google Maps to show your location - you wouldn't want Navigation mode in that case.

 

[JRSly]

Why wouldn't you just use Google Maps to show your location - you wouldn't want Navigation mode in that case.

If you've ever used a GPS, you'll know how it can be nice and convenient to always have a perspective view going while driving, to catch upcoming roads and intersections at a glance.

 

[digitard]

If you've ever used a GPS, you'll know how it can be nice and convenient to always have a perspective view going while driving, to catch upcoming roads and intersections at a glance.

Google Maps does that anyways if you have the GPS enabled. It will show your location every few seconds on the map, and keep updating.

The Navigation function wont be needed for that. Simply maps.

 

[Redflea]

OK, I get what you are after now...3D just isn't that important to me, the moving dot on the streets is enough.

If it doesn't come in an update, there may be "an app for that."

 

[RadOD]

Can anyone confirm if Google Navigation can be used to just show your progress/location on a road while driving, without having to have an actual destination input?

I know this was shown on a few of Rob's videos as not being possible, but just wanted to confirm if anyone had any further info on it.

I'd love to know how to do this too. Having the map rotate so your direction is always 'up' is a lot nicer when exploring than trying to look at the direction of the little arrow on the map. The way it auto zooms in and out based on your speed is also nice.

I can't find any way to do this.

 

[Redflea]

Why not just set a fictional destination - anywhere, even in another state, and then turn down voice prompts and start driving. Google Maps Nav will show you your location w/the blue arrow thingy, and orient the maps, and if you turn down the voice prompts and ignore the blue route markers you'll have pretty much what you want, right?

 

[zandroid]

I just did this on Saturday, it definitely is possible. I just had it following my location, because I too had the same question.

I think all I did was hit My Location, had it pinpoint me, and start driving around. I'd have to double check tomorrow but I'm sure I had it working the other day.

 

[Redflea]

I just did this on Saturday, it definitely is possible. I just had it following my location, because I too had the same question.

I think all I did was hit My Location, had it pinpoint me, and start driving around. I'd have to double check tomorrow but I'm sure I had it working the other day.

My location won't get you 3d/nav mode...you have to start Nav to get that from what I've seen. Unless you've got a secret way I haven't seen.

If you hit my location in map mode you get the blue dot, which will follow your location as you drive, but no 3d, which is what the OP wants.

 

[zandroid]

Ahh, I misunderstood the OP. 3D like that would be great!

This is my first GPS unit so I'm a newb.

 

[Redflea]

Ahh, I misunderstood the OP. 3D like that would be great!

Just do what I said...set up a fictional destination and then drive where you want to - you'll get 3D and the blue arrow, and the compass pointing north, etc.

One thing I'm not sure of (can't remember, actually) is how obtrusive any "recalculating route" visuals may be.

 

[bubbarob1978]

Google Maps does that anyways if you have the GPS enabled. It will show your location every few seconds on the map, and keep updating.

The Navigation function wont be needed for that. Simply maps.

I do the same...I prefer 2D maps anyway and google maps show far more street names as well which I also prefer. If I don't need navigation I'm using goole maps every time

 

[Froid]

Just do what I said...set up a fictional destination and then drive where you want to - you'll get 3D and the blue arrow, and the compass pointing north, etc.

One thing I'm not sure of (can't remember, actually) is how obtrusive any "recalculating route" visuals may be.

Why not just set the actual destination? I guess there are times when it's fun to just wander aimlessly, but most of the time I know where I'm going and voice search makes it easy to find my destination or something nearby. As for the recalculating route visuals, it's barely noticeable and there's no annoying "recalculating" audio like my Garmin.

 

[mrthundercleese]

In maps the GPS dot (arrow once moving) DOES follow you as you drive, walk, run, whatever.

However, the map itself does NOT, at least in my case, follow the dot/arrow like in nav mode. Once you are on a part of the map that isn't on the screen you can no longer see where you are.

Am I missing a button or is this truth?

 

[rawness]

In maps the GPS dot (arrow once moving) DOES follow you as you drive, walk, run, whatever.

However, the map itself does NOT, at least in my case, follow the dot/arrow like in nav mode. Once you are on a part of the map that isn't on the screen you can no longer see where you are.

Am I missing a button or is this truth?

My map DOES follow the map. You should try hitting "My location" from the menu and, after doing this, not moving the map at all.

It's not as fluid as being in Nav mode though. As in, the arrow is not as accurate and more jumpy; I think this is because it is simply updating every few seconds. Also, the one time I tried this, the dot wasn't moving at first, but I believe once it realized that I was moving it started following me; so don't be too surprised if it's not working at first. I think once it realizes you're moving it starts updating your position with higher frequency.

 

[svtpickemup]

Why not just set the actual destination? I guess there are times when it's fun to just wander aimlessly, but most of the time I know where I'm going and voice search makes it easy to find my destination or something nearby. As for the recalculating route visuals, it's barely noticeable and there's no annoying "recalculating" audio like my Garmin.

Because it's such a freaking pain to enter locations on Google Nav compared to a regular stand-alone GPS.

Plus, sometimes there is not a set destination. Or sometimes you need to see quickly if a road cuts through somewhere....or any other number of quick, look type scenarios.

If you've never driven with a nice, stand-alone, I can understand how you can question the usefulness of this feature. But trust me, it really has become a great tool for driving.

 

[mikipedia]

@svtpickemup and dak244,

Agreed, I have also hoped this feature is hiding somewhere, but I have not been able to find it so far. All of the above suggestions are pretty useless besides using maps as a sort of next best thing. If you just press "My Location" and don't touch anything else on the screen the maps should keep following you. You'll need to hit my location I think any time you pressed anywhere on the screen. Here is hoping this feature will be added soon or that I have just not been able to find it yet...

 

[derek533]

Anyone have an update on this? I was getting ready to post a new thread but this thread fits exactly what I'm looking for.

I would like to have the 3-d navigation map available without having to enter a destination. Like the others have mentioned, if you have ever used a standalone gps unit, it's great for knowing what streets are coming up.

 

[inssane]

So, the answer to the OP is NO.
Case closed.

Google maps = 2D
Google Nav = 3D - plot a route and ignore directions.

PS - check out the "labs" on GMaps, some nice and convenient ones.

 

[burton71]

Because it's such a freaking pain to enter locations on Google Nav compared to a regular stand-alone GPS.

Doesn't the voice command work for you?

 

[brocja01]

This is what I've done to get the 3D map to come up while I'm just driving around. I find a destination that is very close that I'll be passing, and start the navigation, once you hit that destination, the directions will stop and the 3D map will just stay up. If you are starting at your house, book mark an address of one of your neighbors that live down the street. The minute you pass their house, the directions will stop and the Map just stays in 3D mode.

 

[virtus]

You can put a shortcut to some obscure Nav destination on your home screen. This should work as an basic workaround to get 3D navigation to display while you drive around.

1. Long Press a blank area on the Home Screen
2. Choose "Shortcuts"
3. Choose "Directions & Navigation"
4. Enter a destination that is somewhere else - like another city.
5. Enter a name for the shortcut and hit save.

Now you have a shortcut that you can just hit once to start the Nav screen.

Problems: It will think you are trying to navigate to that destination, so the next road, next turn, and other information will be displayed. You'll also need to make sure that the nav volume is muted.

 

[Lock-N-Load]

This is what I've done to get the 3D map to come up while I'm just driving around. I find a destination that is very close that I'll be passing, and start the navigation, once you hit that destination, the directions will stop and the 3D map will just stay up. If you are starting at your house, book mark an address of one of your neighbors that live down the street. The minute you pass their house, the directions will stop and the Map just stays in 3D mode.

this makes most sense. have the "fake" destination be like 1 block away so you can pass it quick and stop getting turn-by-turn and just have the 3D up and running.

Problems: It will think you are trying to navigate to that destination, so the next road, next turn, and other information will be displayed. You'll also need to make sure that the nav volume is muted.

to me, this is a big problem. I could set a destination in CO, and live in CA, and have to endlessly have it replot directions and talk to me... no thanks.

the above idea of setting a destination like 1 block away and pass it is the best way to fake this navi out and keep it up in 3D and running.

 

[derek533]

This is what I've done to get the 3D map to come up while I'm just driving around. I find a destination that is very close that I'll be passing, and start the navigation, once you hit that destination, the directions will stop and the 3D map will just stay up. If you are starting at your house, book mark an address of one of your neighbors that live down the street. The minute you pass their house, the directions will stop and the Map just stays in 3D mode.

Awesome. Never thought of that. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Lock-N-Load]

just an update...

I tried the trick of setting a close destinaiton and driving past it today and here is how it functions.

Once you get past the destinaiton, a few things happen.. you get a kind of annoying and not removable status bar at the top of the screen that, IIRC, says "exit" or "set a new destination". it is annoying as it takes screen space and cannot be dismissed.

Also, you stop seeing unfolding live action street level view unless you hit the little blue arrow icon in the lower left of the screen. I had the moving live action view up until I passed my destination and then I disappeared from the screen and the above status bar came on.. I hit that blue arrow and there I was again, driving, with 3D view and no destination needed. streets unfolding in front of me. just missing the top part of the screen because of that annoying status bar.