How to Use Apple Maps to Send Live ETA Automatically
However, the feature that made me excited was the ability to automatically share ETA. So, every time you go home after the office, he / she will know it. And you will not have to worry about Maps settings anymore. We will also explore the basics of how Apple Maps calculates ETA and its accuracy.
Let's start.
1. How to share ETA live with contacts
Open Apple Maps and find the destination you want to visit. You will now see your location and destination on the map. Tap on Route to advance.
Choose your transport mode in the following screen. You have four options. When done, press Go to begin navigation. You should now see the ETA option at the bottom of the screen. Tap on it.
If you do not see it, swipe up to see many options, including the Share ETA option.
Once you have selected it, some default contacts have a button to enter the contacts list. Press to search and select one.
A text will be sent to the mobile number with which you share ETA. Text charges may apply depending on your package.
The message contains details about the destination and the estimated time of arrival (ETA). Now, in case I'm late, the contact will be automatically updated accordingly.
2. How to automatically share ETA
Sharing ETA with others is easy. However, repeating it every day can quickly become a chore. Especially in a society where the automation of such tasks quickly becomes the norm. Frankly, I think that makes us lazy. First, you must add this place to your favorites list.
Find the location, home, office or any other place, then swipe the screen from the bottom to the top to add it to the favorites list.
Swipe again and tap View All and select the "i" icon next to where you want to set the automatic ETA.
Scroll down to find the Add a person option. It is here that you will choose a contact to whom you want to send an ETA every time you leave for the chosen destination. Tap Done to save the settings.
That's all, my friends. Now, every time you select this destination and start browsing, your contact will receive ETA details. If there are any changes, he / she will be updated by SMS.
I received an SMS because I sent the ETA update from my iPhone to an Android device. If the contact uses an iPhone, he / she will receive a notification, pressing that will open the Apple Maps application. They will be able to track your progress on a live map now. Cool, huh? On the other hand, you will never be able to lie about this quick stop for coffee or beer.
3. How does Apple Maps calculate ETA?
Apple has never officially revealed how they calculated ETA in Maps, but a Google engineer did it in 2013. This could help put things in perspective. Richard Russel, director and sales engineer at Google, told Quora that the ETA calculation takes into account various parameters, such as official speed limits and recommended speeds, likely speeds derived from road types, speed data historical averages over certain periods (sometimes just averages, sometimes at particular times of the day), actual travel times of previous users and real-time traffic information. It is rather something.
The time spent in the trip is a good indicator of the time it will take to complete the trip. ETA is adjusted in real time traffic data based on real time. This is why E in ETA means "estimated". Everything is conjecture and should be taken with a grain of salt. That's the problem when you predict the future. There are so many variables at play that it is difficult to predict with 100% accuracy. Unless you are Nostradamus, but I believe that all his predictions have not yet come true, for the moment.
An Apple Insider user has found that Apple Maps takes a conservative approach. This means that the application intentionally predicts a higher ETA to ensure that users arrive on time or even earlier than expected. The size of the sample is too small, in my opinion.
Well, I'm happy with the ETAs provided by Google Maps and Apple Maps. Too much delay on this will do no good in either case. The trip is more important than the end anyway. You will reach your destination at the scheduled time.
To be punctual
Apple Maps is much improved, but Google Maps is still far ahead. The real-time ETA feature is really interesting, especially if you have an iPhone or iPad. It makes life a lot easier and automated. If ETA sharing automatically means something to you, it is wise to keep the other person informed of your arrival.
Then: Want to know how to turn on desktop mode in Safari in iOS 13? Click on the link below to find out how.