How to use the map
Three actions cover almost everything: search, a tap on the map, and a route. Below is the short version, without jargon.
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Search
Locality, street, house number
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Route A → B
On foot, by car or public transport
1. Search for an address
In the top field type the locality, the street, or both. For Chișinău, “Alba Iulia 10” is more precise than just “Alba Iulia”. Pick a result; the map centres on the pin, not on a random corner of the screen.
You can also open a search from the address bar: ?q= after the URL, for example from the Chișinău or Cities pages.
2. Tap the map
A tap requests the approximate address (reverse geocoding). Use it when you do not know the street name but can see the building. From the popup you can set point A or B.
3. Route A → B
The Route button shows two fields. A is the start, B the destination. The arrow swaps them. Under distance and minutes you choose on foot, by car or public transport. Walking and driving use OSRM on the OpenStreetMap network — there is no live traffic. Public transport comes from Transitous, where schedules exist.
GPS
The button at the bottom left asks for location. On a phone you must allow location in the browser. On a site without HTTPS, except localhost, browsers block GPS. It is not required for search.
With a route open and location allowed, the map can follow you in real time. Dragging the map pauses follow; tap My location again to resume.
Map or satellite
The street map is better for street names. Satellite helps with yards, roofs and terrain. The switch is in the header.
Places on the map
From zoom 14 the map shows shops, fuel stations, hair salons, restaurants, pharmacies and banks from OpenStreetMap. Tap a coloured point for the name, category and address. From the popup you can set the place as route point A or B. The list is not complete: if a venue is missing, the OSM community has not mapped it yet.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the house number missing?
House numbers come from OpenStreetMap. If the street is mapped without buildings, you only see the street. You can tap the building on the map for an approximate address.
GPS asks for permission. Is it required?
No. Search and tapping the map work without GPS. Location is useful only as point A or as the “my location” button.
How do I see shops and fuel stations?
Zoom to 14. Places come from OpenStreetMap. Tap a coloured point for the name, category and address, then set it as A or B.
Can I choose walking, driving or public transport?
Yes. After points A and B, the three options appear under distance and minutes. Walking and driving use OSRM. Public transport uses Transitous.
Sources and languages: the About page.