> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alterhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Plan places and routes with Alter Maps

> What Alter can currently do with Apple Maps, with practical prompts and setup

This workflow helps you go from "Where should I go?" to "How do I get there?" in a few prompts.

## What this helps you do

Use Alter Maps workflows for practical travel decisions: find a place, compare nearby options, and get route guidance quickly.

## Works with

* App: Apple Maps
* Tool type: Local tool
* Permissions: Location (optional, needed for "near me" flows)

## What Alter can do today

Alter can search places by name/address, find nearby places by category, and return directions between two locations with transport mode options.

## What Alter does not do yet

* ETA-specific tool responses are not currently exposed in the active tool set.
* Static map image generation is not currently exposed in the active tool set.

## A realistic workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Discover options">
    Ask for nearby places in a category (for example restaurants or pharmacies).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick destination">
    Choose one result from the list with address or name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get route">
    Ask for directions from your origin to that destination with your preferred transport type.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Copy/paste prompts

* "Find coffee shops near me."
* "Find hotels near 48.8566, 2.3522 within 5km."
* "Search for 'Gare de Lyon, Paris'."
* "Get driving directions from 10 Downing Street London to Heathrow Airport."
* "Get transit directions from Times Square to JFK Airport."

## How to enable

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Maps in Tools Manager">
    Open Alter -> click the three dots -> **Tools Manager** -> **Local Tools** -> enable **Maps**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Allow Location permission if needed">
    If you ask for nearby places without coordinates, Alter may request Location access.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run a quick test">
    Ask: "Find restaurants near me." Then ask for directions to one result.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What to expect

* Place results include practical details (address, phone, and map link when available).
* Nearby search works best with either your current location permission enabled or explicit coordinates.

## Related pages

* [Maps app capabilities](/apps-tools/maps)
* [Use Tool Manager](/how-to/tool-manager-guide)
* [Tools Not Working](/common-issues/tool-not-working)