How do I Use Street View on an iPhone?
By Marie Cartwright
Most iPhone users are already familiar with the Google Maps app. However, what you may not realize is that the iPhone also supports Google Street View. Don't be surprised if you haven't seen it before: the iPhone Maps app interface does a good job of unintentionally hiding Street View.
What Is Street View?
Google Street View provides panoramic photos of streets all over the world. It's a handy tool for navigating to a new destination. Being able to actually see the landmarks that are near your destination can help you avoid getting lost. Even if you're a savvy navigator, you can simply check out the city streets in other countries or explore your new neighborhood before moving in.
Supported Versions
The original iPhone did not support Google Street View. The 2008 2.2 iPhone iOS software update finally added Street View to the iPhone's default applications. If you have all the recommended updates, or if you purchased your iPhone after 2008, then you don't need any additional downloads to use Street View. If you need to update your iPhone's OS, just plug it into your computer and let iTunes do the rest. The updater will load Google Street View onto your phone along with all the other updates.
Using Google Maps
The iPhone integrates Street View with Google Maps. To open Google Maps, tap the "Maps" icon on the home screen. Tap the search field at the top of the screen, then use the onscreen keyboard to type in an address. A map of your destination will appear. Touch and drag the screen to move around the map.
Using Street View
Once you have entered your location, tap the "Search" button. Several different buttons will appear. Tap the "Drop Pin" button to set your starting point. This pin marks a specific location on the map. If you need to adjust the pin, just touch and drag it to a new location. Tap the orange person icon on the left side of the "Drag to Move Pin" box once you've placed the pin. This icon launches Street View. Tap the arrows on the Street View screen to move around the streets. If you've wandered far from your original location, zoom out to display your current location on the map.
References
Writer Bio
Marie Cartwright began writing in 2010. Her work has appeared on various websites. Having held office jobs in copywriting and editing, Cartwright now works from her home in Northern California. She also maintains an events website geared toward the science and technology community.