Apple Inc.
Mapping application with interactive dynamic scale and smart zoom

Abstract:

Some embodiments provide a mapping application that includes a novel dynamic scale that can be used to perform different zoom operations. In some embodiments, the scale also serves as a distance measurement indicator for a corresponding zoom level. The application continuously adjusts several different attributes of the scale, including the scale size, the number of segments on the scale and the representative distance of a segment on the scale. In some embodiments, the mapping application provides a smart zoom feature that guides a user during a zoom to a location. In particular, the smart zoom detects that a location of a zoom is near a pin on the map, and if so, zooms to the pin on the map. Otherwise, if the location is near a cloud of pins, the application zooms to the cloud of pins. Otherwise the zoom is directed towards the user's selected location.