Option 1: Download Google Maps as a web app
You can use still Google Maps as a web app. Just point your Safari browser toMaps.google.com, click on the Share button and then tap ‘Add to Home Screen’ and ‘Add’.
The web app gives you many of the same features as the native app, including the ability to set your current location, view the road ahead by map, satellite or through hybrid view and get directions for drivers, bikers and walkers.
You can also search for local landmarks and restaurants, while you’re able to get hold of recent searches, starred locations and My Maps when signed into your Google account. Street View is also now supported on the web app.
If you want to move the web app to your iPad’s home screen you will need to hold the app until it goes into ‘shake’ mode and then hold and push the app to where you want it on screen. If it’s on your second or third home screen page, you’ll need to hold and pull to the far left to move it to your primary home screen.
Option 2: Download the Maps+ app from the App Store
Maps+Â is an iOS app that is essentially Google Maps for iOS 5 but with a slightly tweaked user interface and it runs on all iOS 6 devices.
As with Google’s version, you can peruse standard, satellite, hybrid or terrain (this last option didn’t even feature on Google Maps for iOS 5) maps, tap a nearby location to get more information, and drop pins as you attempt to negotiate your route.
You can also set it for travelling on foot, on bike (only available in the U.S.) or by car, save pages as bookmarks and ask the app to ‘locate’ where you are.
Even better though are the additional features for you to set location-based alarms and see tweets referring to nearby areas.
The app is free from the App Store and is a more than reasonable alternative to Apple Maps, although not quite as comprehensive or polished as native Google Maps. More features can be found via an in-app purchase.
Two quick ways to get Google Maps on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 6
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