Abstract: Disclosed herein are tools and techniques for providing optional re-routing. In one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, a determination is made that a location of a computing device is not on a predetermined route between a start location and an end location. Based on the determining, a re-route option is provided. Also, while the re-route option is available, a determination is made that a subsequent location of the computing device is on the predetermined route, or a re-route is performed responsive to receiving a touch-anywhere input event on a touchscreen display.

Abstract: A terminus buffer area (e.g., an end-of-route buffer area) is provided in a map navigation tool to allow suppression of off-route feedback (e.g., audio or visual warnings or alerts) in some circumstances, such as when a mobile computing device (e.g., a smart phone) that implements the tool enters the buffer area. The map navigation tool can output off-route feedback when the user strays from a route, but also can suppress the off-route feedback when the user is within the buffer area. In addition to suppression of off-route feedback, a map navigation tool also can disable off-route feedback when a user crosses an arrival threshold and enters an arrival area, such that the tool does not output off-route feedback regardless of the user's location or movements once the user has entered the arrival area. The arrival area can be within an end-of-route buffer area.

Abstract: A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, the map navigation tool uses a destination icon that directs the user towards an end location of a route when the user is close to the end location. For example, the map navigation tool obtains multiple list items of a list of directions. Based at least in part on current location, the tool determines that a destination icon is to be displayed. For example, the tool checks whether the current location is within a threshold distance from or past the end location. The tool then renders the destination icon, which indicates direction towards the end location. The tool can further adjust the destination icon depending on current location, for example, rotating the destination icon or switching between multiple destination icons representing left, right, ahead and behind directions.

Abstract: A terminus buffer area (e.g., an end-of-route buffer area) is provided in a map navigation tool to allow suppression of off-route feedback (e.g., audio or visual warnings or alerts) in some circumstances, such as when a mobile computing device (e.g., a smart phone) that implements the tool enters the buffer area. The map navigation tool can output off-route feedback when the user strays from a route, but also can suppress the off-route feedback when the user is within the buffer area. In addition to suppression of off-route feedback, a map navigation tool also can disable off-route feedback when a user crosses an arrival threshold and enters an arrival area, such that the tool does not output off-route feedback regardless of the user's location or movements once the user has entered the arrival area. The arrival area can be within an end-of-route buffer area.

Abstract: A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, a user-driven navigation model simplifies user interaction with the map navigation tool. For example, the map navigation tool identifies an upcoming list item among multiple list items of a list of directions for a route. The map navigation tool receives a user input event. For example, the user input event represents a tap on a touchscreen of the computing device, voice input to a microphone of the computing device, or button or keystroke input to the computing device. Responsive to the user input event, the map navigation tool outputs an indication of the upcoming list item.

Abstract: A mobile computing device can determine a first waypoint distance that indicates a distance from the device's location within which a first waypoint of a route cannot be located. This distance can be sent to a server as part of a map data request. The distance can be based on a device velocity, a request latency time, an instruction intake time and an instruction reaction time. The request latency time represents the delay from sending a request to receiving route information in response. The instruction intake time represents the time it takes for a user to read or listen to a first waypoint instruction. The instruction reaction time represents the time it takes a user to react to a first waypoint instruction. Route information contains information identifying a first waypoint that is further away from the device position supplied with the request than the first waypoint distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tools and techniques for providing optional re-routing. In one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, a determination is made that a location of a computing device is not on a predetermined route between a start location and an end location. Based on the determining, a re-route option is provided. Also, while the re-route option is available, a determination is made that a subsequent location of the computing device is on the predetermined route, or a re-route is performed responsive to receiving a touch-anywhere input event on a touchscreen display.

Abstract: A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, the map navigation tool dynamically adjusts presentation of graphics and/or text for directions depending on current location, so as to emphasize upcoming instructions. For example, based on current location, the tool identifies an upcoming list item in a list of directions for a route. The map navigation tool renders a view of at least part of the list of directions, rendering a given list item differently depending on whether it is the upcoming list item, a future list item, or a previous list item. Upon successful completion of navigation for the upcoming list item, the tool outputs an indication of positive feedback, changes the upcoming list item to be the next list item, and renders a new view in which the next list item is emphasized.

Abstract: A map navigation tool provides a start-of-route buffer area in which off-route feedback (e.g., audio or visual warnings or alerts) can be suppressed in some circumstances. For example, a mobile computing device implements a map navigation tool that can output off-route feedback when the user strays from a route, but also can suppress off-route feedback when the user is within a start-of-route buffer area. Off-route feedback can continue to be suppressed until some other event, such as the user leaving the start-of-route buffer area, occurs. Off-route feedback can be suppressed even if the user is not within a start-of-route buffer area, such as when the map navigation tool generates a route when the user is at an initial location that is far away from any part of the route and then joins the route later (e.g., at the start location or downstream from the start location).

Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for providing navigation assistance when there are multiple turns in succession in a short period of time or distance. In one embodiment, the route information can be reviewed to determine multiple turns in sequence that are less than a predetermined distance apart. These so-called “tight turns” can be handled differently than other turns by announcing the tight turns in a single combination instruction. Additional lane guidance can also be provided. In another embodiment, an audio feedback can be used to indicate that a user completed a successful turn. Such audio feedback can be in combination with the identified tight turns or independently for other turns or events. The audio feedback can also be an indication for the user to tap the display, wherein the tapping results in an immediate indication of the next turn.

Abstract: A navigation user interface displays a route to be navigated over a road view map. If a user selects a particular segment of the displayed route, text-based directions associated with the particular route segment are displayed, with a selectable area to return to the map view. Additionally, as the road view map is zoomed in, when the zoom level reaches a threshold zoom level, the navigation user interface automatically transitions to displaying a satellite view map overlaid with at least a portion of the route to be navigated.