iOS App Development For Dummies

Chapter 17

Finding Your Way

In This Chapter

Using the MapKit framework

Specifying and changing the type, location, and zoom level of a map

Identifying the iPad’s current location

Annotating significant locations on the map

There’s an old saying that there are three keys to a profitable real estate venture: location, location, and location. When it comes to today’s mobile devices and the apps we write for them, you can point to the same three keys. Location awareness can allow an app to not only help a user navigate, but it can also open a whole new world of app opportunities. Location-aware apps have the ability to work on their own rather than at a user’s command. And that’s a major change in our thinking about devices, apps, and ourselves.

When an app is aware of location, your movements can control the app. You can see this in the Reminders app that’s built into OS X and iOS. You can enter a reminder for a date and time, but you can also enter a reminder for a place. When you are at that place, the reminder pops up. You don’t have to check your calendar or your notes: Once you’ve ...