When you tap on the Maps button on the iPhone's Home screen, you're presented with a miniature version of Google Maps (maps .google.com). Double-tap on the map to zoom in, repeatedly if necessary. Tap with two fingers at once to zoom out. To find your current location, tap on the target icon in the bottom left corner. To reposition the map, drag your finger around the screen. At the bottom of the screen are two options: Search and Directions. Tap on Search. iPhone 3GS users can see exactly which direction they are facing on the map, thanks to the built-in digital compass. To use this feature, tap on the target icon a second time.

START A SEARCH

Tap on the search field at the top of the screen and type an address or name to find a location—for instance, "Brick- house Cafe." When you tap on Search, pushpins will appear, marking the results.

You can search for businesses, or even types of businesses, by entering a search term. By default, Maps will search based on your current location. If you'd like to specify a different location, enter a city and state or zip code after your search term. Maps supports all the same types of queries as Google Maps itself. For example, to find a doughnut shop near the Apple campus, you could type Cupertino doughnuts (or just doughnuts if you're already on campus) and tap on Search.

GET LOCATION DETAILS

Tap on a red pin to bring up a location's name. Tap on the blue arrow to the right of the location name to see additional information, such as address, phone number, and a URL, if one is available. You'll also see options to get directions to or from that location, to add it to your Maps bookmarks, to share it in an e-mail, or to add the location to a new or existing contact. Tapping on a listed phone number or URL calls the number or opens the page in Safari, respectively.

USE STREET VIEW

An orange circle appears to the left of a location name if Google Street View is available for that address. Tap on the orange circle to see up-close photos of that location. Drag your finger around to explore the full 360-degree panoramic view. Tap on the white arrows to move up or down a street. Tap on the inset circle to exit Google Street View and return to the map.