iOS travel guides help Olympic visitors navigate London

23.07.2012

Why battle with oversized paper maps in the middle of busy streets when you can just check your phone? is a very basic app, and acts a little like an extension to the Maps app built into iOS devices. There are just two options in this iPhone and iPad app from --a general map of London with Underground transport markers, or a city guide.

The city guide will help you find a variety of different amenities, including individual fashion shops, malls, and places for worship or accommodation. Like a Google Maps search, a pin will drop on the general map; within that area, you'll find your chosen place. If you are likely to return, you can easily bookmark places, too.

This app is ideal if you are only looking for a couple of places to go within the city, preferring to leave the rest to discovery. However, the search is limited: You can't get directions, or look at more than one place on a map. Sadly, the compass feature can also be a little temperamental.

While you could stick with the Maps app already on iOS, it could be argued Smart Maps will at least help you discover new places or sights without needing to find them on the Web first.