Check out the new Nokia Maps, a.k.a. Maps 2.0, featuring new Drive and Walk navigation modes, improved search functionality and upgrade options.

(View the list of compatible devices to determine if you can install the new Nokia Maps on your device.)

Drive

Drive is the new voice-guided car navigation feature that provides turn-by-turn visual and voice guidance. The Drive GUI includes turning arrows that dynamically display the exact angle of the next turn, as well as average speed, distance and driving time.

To use the Drive service, you need a device with built-in GPS or an external GPS module. There is a free three-day trial of voice-guided navigation service available for new and upgrading Nokia Maps users.

Walk

Walk is the new door-to-door pedestrian navigation feature that helps users navigate while on foot. Walk navigation does not use voice navigation, but rather uses breadcrumbs to indicate the path you have walked, and also enables navigation through parks, alleys, one-way streets and other pedestrian-friendly options.

To use the Walk service, you need a device with built-in GPS or an external GPS module. Walk is included with purchase of Drive navigation, but can also be purchased separately for a lower price. Walk is also included in the free three-day trial of the service.

Map/GPS Map mode options

There are four different Map modes, which provide different views including Map (2D view), Map 3D, Satellite and Hybrid. Map modes that include satellite images (Satellite and Hybrid) are only available in Walk and when browsing the map. You can easily switch your current view by accessing Options > Map Mode.

To change views more quickly, press the “1” button to access the same Map mode options menu.

The following screenshots are examples of the different available views:

Map view

Map 3D view

Satellite view

Hybrid view

Within Drive, there are three available Map mode views:

Maneuver view (Map 2D)

Bird’s-eye View (Map 3D)

Arrow View

The options menu within Drive navigation provides additional resources, and each option is mapped to the device’s numeric keypad for convenience of easier access for the driver.

Walk pedestrian navigation displays breadcrumbs to denote the user’s path and direction.

The search function has been improved. The search box is always visible on the bottom of the screen when viewing Maps/GPS tracking.

The search results are now sorted by category.

Search results are sorted by closest distance, and each result has an icon to more easily distinguish the type of result you are looking for. When selecting a search result, the options include: Show on map, Walk to, Drive to, Add (To places, To route), Show Details, Contact and Send.

The main search menu can also be accessed by pressing Options > Search. This search menu gives the user the widest range of search options.

For example, when selecting the Drive search menu, the search options include categories specific to the needs of drivers.

When using the Walk search menu, the search options include categories specific to the needs of pedestrians.

Updating Nokia Maps

It is important to get the updated map data for the new Nokia Maps, especially for users upgrading a device that has an old version of Maps installed. The new map data is essential to get the maximum potential benefit from the service and new features like Walk. For example, the new map data enables greater functionality by including more pedestrian pathways through city parks and alleys.

To ensure you have the most current updates available for your map data, use Nokia Map Loader. Maps are available for entire regions/states, countries and continents. Nokia Map Loader also has downloadable “Voices” in 27 languages for voice guidance navigation.

If you cannot update your map data with the Nokia Map Loader application, a workaround is to go to http://nokiamaps.moo.no/ and download the map data appropriate for the version of maps you are running on your mobile device. Map data is available for 27 languages of voice-guided navigation. The map data is in downloadable .zip format; all you have to do is extract the data from the .zip and paste it into the appropriate directory on your mobile device using Nokia PC Suite’s File Manager. If you have a utility that can extract or unzip the maps on your device, you can update your maps without a computer.

Drive and Walk navigation, Traffic information and City Guides are optional paid services.

What do you think of the new Nokia Maps? Talk about it in the comments.

Learn more about Nokia Maps

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