Category: Transportation
Reading Maps, Routes & Turn-by-Turn Directions
Maps and navigation tools can help you understand where you are, where you are going, and how to travel between two places. You may use a printed map, a transit map, a website, or a navigation app on your phone.
Learning to follow directions takes practice. Even experienced travelers sometimes miss turns, choose the wrong route, or need to stop and look at a map again.
The goal is not to memorize every street. It is to understand the information a map provides, prepare before leaving, and know what to do if you become confused along the way.
Start With the Correct Destination
Before looking for a route, confirm the complete address.
You may need:
- Name of the business, person, or organization
- Street number
- Street name
- Apartment, building, or suite number
- City
- State
- ZIP code
- Phone number
- Name of the specific location or department
Make sure you have selected the correct city and state. Different towns may have streets and businesses with the same or similar names.
If a business has several locations, confirm which one you need before starting the trip.
Understand the Main Parts of a Map
A map may show:
- Streets
- Highways
- Buildings
- Parks
- Bodies of water
- Bus stops
- Train stations
- Parking areas
- Walking paths
- Bicycle routes
- Landmarks
- Your current location
- Your destination
A map may use colors, lines, symbols, and labels to represent different features.
For example:
- Thick lines may represent highways.
- Thin lines may represent smaller roads.
- Dotted lines may represent walking paths.
- Colored lines may represent transit routes.
- A pin may mark a destination.
- A dot or arrow may show your location.
- A warning symbol may show traffic, construction, or a closure.
Different maps use different symbols. Look for a legend or key if you are unsure what something means.
Learn the Basic Directions
Maps may use four main directions:
- North
- South
- East
- West
They may also use:
- Northeast
- Northwest
- Southeast
- Southwest
Many maps place north at the top, but navigation apps may rotate the map so the direction you are traveling appears at the top.
A compass symbol can help you determine which way the map is facing.
You do not always need to know the compass direction to follow a route, but it can help when choosing the correct road, train platform, or bus direction.
Understand Your Current Location
Navigation apps often show your current location as:
- A blue dot
- An arrow
- A circle
- A person or vehicle symbol
The symbol may include a shaded area showing the direction your device believes you are facing.
Your location may not be exact, especially:
- Inside a large building
- Underground
- In a parking garage
- Near tall buildings
- In an area with weak cellular service
- When location services are turned off
Look at nearby street names, buildings, signs, or landmarks to confirm that the map matches your surroundings.
Enter the Destination Carefully
When using a navigation app:
- Open the app.
- Select the search box.
- Enter the complete address or destination name.
- Review the results.
- Confirm the city and state.
- Check the destination photograph or description if available.
- Select the correct location.
- Review the map before starting directions.
Do not automatically select the first result. It may be a different location with a similar name.
Choose the Correct Travel Method
Navigation apps may offer different directions for:
- Driving
- Walking
- Bicycling
- Public transportation
- Rideshare
- A combination of options
Select the method you will actually use.
Driving directions may send you onto highways where walking or bicycling is not allowed. Walking directions may use paths that vehicles cannot enter. Public-transportation directions may include specific stops, schedules, and transfers.
Always confirm that the travel symbol shown in the app matches your plan.
Compare Available Routes
A navigation app may suggest more than one route.
Routes may differ in:
- Distance
- Travel time
- Number of turns
- Highways
- Tolls
- Traffic
- Transfers
- Walking distance
- Hills
- Bicycle lanes
- Construction
- Accessibility
The fastest route is not always the easiest or safest.
You may prefer a route that:
- Uses familiar streets
- Avoids highways
- Avoids tolls
- Has fewer transfers
- Includes less walking
- Uses better-lit areas
- Has accessible stations
- Provides more time between connections
Review the route before selecting it.
Read the Route Overview
Before starting, look at the complete route.
Identify:
- Starting point
- Destination
- Major roads or transit lines
- Number of turns
- Transfers
- Estimated travel time
- Estimated arrival time
- Tolls
- Traffic
- Walking sections
- Where you will park or exit
- The final approach to the entrance
A route overview helps you understand the general trip before following individual steps.
Understand Turn-by-Turn Directions
Turn-by-turn directions break a trip into individual actions.
They may say:
- Head north
- Continue straight
- Turn left
- Turn right
- Merge
- Take the exit
- Keep left
- Keep right
- Make a U-turn
- Enter the traffic circle
- Take the second exit
- Your destination is on the right
The distance shown tells you how far you will travel before the next action.
For example:
“Turn right in 500 feet” means the turn is approaching, but you should not turn immediately.
Listen for the street name and look for signs before making the turn.
Understand Common Road Instructions
Continue Straight
Remain on the current road without turning.
The road name may change even though you continue in the same direction.
Keep Left or Keep Right
Stay in the indicated lane or side when the road divides. This may not require a full turn.
Merge
Move safely into another lane or roadway when there is enough space.
Take the Exit
Leave the current highway or road using the named or numbered exit.
Make a U-Turn
Turn around to travel in the opposite direction. Make sure U-turns are legal and safe at that location.
At the Traffic Circle
Enter when it is safe, follow the circle, and leave at the correct exit.
If you are driving, do not make a sudden or unsafe movement because navigation gives a late instruction. Continue safely and allow the app to find another route.
Use Street Names and Landmarks
Technology is helpful, but physical signs and landmarks can confirm that you are on the correct route.
Look for:
- Street signs
- Highway numbers
- Exit numbers
- Storefronts
- Schools
- Parks
- Bridges
- Large buildings
- Gas stations
- Bus-stop signs
- Station names
- Public artwork
Notice one or two major landmarks near your destination. This may help you recognize when you are getting close.
Landmarks can change, so do not depend on them alone.
Follow Walking Directions Safely
When walking:
- Use sidewalks when available.
- Cross at designated crossings.
- Obey pedestrian signals.
- Look for turning vehicles.
- Avoid walking while staring at your phone.
- Stop in a safe place to review directions.
- Do not enter private property because the map suggests a shortcut.
- Do not walk on highways or restricted roads.
- Choose a well-lit route when possible.
A map may not show temporary construction, damaged sidewalks, locked gates, or unsafe conditions.
If the route does not look safe, choose another path.
Follow Bicycle Directions Safely
When bicycling:
- Use bicycle routes or lanes when available.
- Obey traffic signs and signals.
- Watch for parked-car doors.
- Avoid restricted roads.
- Use lights and reflective equipment.
- Stop safely before checking your phone.
- Consider hills, traffic, and road conditions.
- Do not assume every suggested road is comfortable for bicycling.
A shorter route may have heavier traffic or fewer bicycle protections. Choose a route that matches your experience and comfort level.
Read Public-Transportation Directions
Transit directions may include:
- Route or line number
- Direction of travel
- Stop or station name
- Departure time
- Platform
- Number of stops
- Transfer location
- Walking instructions
- Fare information
- Service alerts
Check both the route number and direction.
For example, the same bus route may travel east in one direction and west in the other. A train line may use the final station’s name to identify its direction.
Make sure you are waiting on the correct side of the street or at the correct platform.
Understand Transfers
A transfer means changing from one bus, train, or other service to another.
Transit directions should show:
- Where to exit
- What route to take next
- Which direction to travel
- How far you need to walk
- How much time you have
- Whether you need to pay again
Review transfers before leaving so they do not come as a surprise.
If you miss a connection, stay in a safe place and check the next available option.
Use Voice Directions Carefully
Navigation apps can speak directions aloud.
Voice directions can help you keep your eyes on the road or surroundings, but they are not always perfect.
Before leaving:
- Turn the volume to a level you can hear.
- Confirm that sound is coming from the correct device.
- Start directions before moving.
- Place the phone where you can hear it without holding it.
- Avoid changing settings while driving.
If you need to look closely at the map, pull over or stop in a safe location.
Watch for Rerouting
A navigation app may change your route because of:
- Traffic
- A missed turn
- Construction
- Road closure
- Transit delay
- Canceled service
- A faster route becoming available
The app may announce that it is rerouting or finding another route.
Before accepting a major change, consider whether the new route:
- Uses unfamiliar roads
- Adds tolls
- Changes your transit line
- Sends you to an unsafe area
- Requires more walking
- Affects accessibility
- Changes your arrival time
If you are uncomfortable with the new route, stop safely and review your options.
What to Do If You Miss a Turn
Missing a turn is common.
If you are driving:
- Continue safely.
- Do not stop suddenly.
- Do not reverse.
- Do not make an illegal turn.
- Allow the app to create a new route.
- Pull over safely if you need to review it.
If you are walking or bicycling:
- Stop in a safe location.
- Check your current position.
- Review the new route.
- Return to a familiar point if necessary.
A missed turn usually adds only a small amount of time.
What to Do If the Directions Seem Wrong
Do not continue into an unsafe or restricted area simply because an app tells you to.
Stop if the route directs you toward:
- A closed road
- Private property
- A restricted entrance
- A dangerous walking path
- A flooded road
- A construction zone
- A staircase you cannot use
- A road that does not allow pedestrians or bicycles
- An entrance that is locked or unavailable
Move to a safe location and check another route.
You can also call the destination and ask for directions.
Use Maps Without Internet Service
Cellular service may be weak or unavailable during part of a trip.
Before leaving, you may be able to:
- Download an offline map.
- Take screenshots of the route.
- Save the destination address.
- Write down the main directions.
- Print the route.
- Save transit schedules.
- Record important phone numbers.
Offline maps may not show current traffic, delays, closures, or schedule changes.
Keep a Written Backup
Write down:
- Destination name
- Complete address
- Phone number
- Main roads or transit routes
- Important turns
- Stop or station
- Return route
- Emergency contact
If your phone battery dies or the app stops working, this information can help you continue or ask for assistance.
Protect Your Privacy
Navigation tools may store:
- Places you visit
- Searches
- Home and work addresses
- Location history
- Saved destinations
- Shared trips
Review your location and privacy settings.
Be careful when:
- Sharing your live location
- Posting travel plans publicly
- Saving a home address on a shared device
- Sending screenshots that show private locations
- Allowing unfamiliar apps to use your location
- Using a navigation account on someone else’s device
Share your location only with people you trust and only for as long as necessary.
Avoid Distracted Travel
Do not allow navigation to take your attention away from the road or your surroundings.
When driving:
- Start directions before moving.
- Use spoken directions when possible.
- Mount the phone securely if permitted.
- Never type while driving.
- Pull over safely to make changes.
When walking or bicycling:
- Look up regularly.
- Watch traffic and other people.
- Keep the volume low enough to hear your surroundings.
- Stop before studying the screen.
- Avoid blocking sidewalks or entrances.
Navigation should support safe travel, not distract from it.
Practice Reading Maps
Build your skills with familiar locations.
Try:
- Finding your home on a map.
- Locating a nearby store.
- Comparing two routes.
- Identifying north, south, east, and west.
- Following a walking route with someone you trust.
- Finding a bus stop or station.
- Reviewing directions before a familiar drive.
- Practicing how to reroute after a missed turn.
Practicing without time pressure can make unfamiliar trips easier.
Ask for Help When Needed
You can ask:
- A trusted friend or family member
- A transportation employee
- A police officer or security employee
- A customer-service desk
- An employee at the destination
- A librarian
- A transit information center
When asking for directions, provide the name and address of your destination. You do not need to share unnecessary personal information.
If you feel unsafe, move to a staffed, well-lit public location before asking for help.
Final Thoughts
Maps and turn-by-turn directions are tools that can help you travel more independently, but they should always be combined with your own observations and judgment.
Confirm the destination, choose the correct travel method, review the full route, and notice major streets and landmarks before leaving. During the trip, remain aware of signs, traffic, weather, and your surroundings.
If you miss a turn or become confused, stop somewhere safe, review the route, and ask for help when necessary. With practice, maps and navigation directions will become easier to understand and use.
