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

# Location & Navigation

> Get directions, find nearby places, and navigate campus with Apple Maps links

Sift can give you walking directions, find places near you, and help you navigate campus — all through a text message. Directions come with tappable Apple Maps links that open right in Maps.

## What You Can Ask

```
"Where's my next class?"
"How do I get to HUMN 150?"
"Find me a coffee shop nearby"
"How long to walk from ECCR to the rec center?"
"Find a quiet place to study"
"Directions to Folsom Field"
```

## How It Works

### Directions & Travel Time

Ask Sift how to get somewhere and it responds with:

* **Walking time and distance**
* **Step-by-step directions**
* **A tappable Apple Maps link** that opens directly in Maps

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Get to your next class">
    > "Where's my next class?"

    Sift checks your calendar, finds your next class with a location, and sends walking directions from where you are now.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Campus building navigation">
    > "How do I get to HUMN 150?"

    Sift resolves campus building codes (HUMN, ECCR, ATLAS, etc.) automatically — just use the code from your schedule.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Between two locations">
    > "How long to walk from ECCR to the library?"

    Sift gives you the walking time and a map link with the route.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Nearby Places

Ask Sift to find places near you — coffee shops, libraries, food, study spots.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Find coffee">
    > "Find me a coffee shop"

    Sift returns nearby options with names, ratings, whether they're open, and directions to each.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Study spots">
    > "Where can I study nearby?"

    Sift searches for libraries, study spaces, and quiet cafes near your current location.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## How Sift Knows Where You Are

Sift uses your **calendar as a location signal**. If you just finished a class at ECCR, Sift knows you're near ECCR — no GPS sharing needed. Your class schedule acts as a series of location checkpoints throughout the day.

The location priority:

1. **Schedule-inferred** — Your most recent class or meeting location
2. **Saved location** — The city you set in your profile

<Tip>
  For the best experience, make sure your Google Calendar events include locations (most do automatically when synced from Canvas).
</Tip>

## Apple Maps Links

When you ask for directions over iMessage, Sift sends an Apple Maps URL that renders as a **rich, tappable map card** — not just a plain text link. Tap it to open turn-by-turn navigation instantly.

## Travel Modes

Sift defaults to **walking** (because students walk), but you can ask for other modes:

```
"How long to drive to the airport?"
"Transit directions to downtown"
```

Supported modes: walking, driving, transit.

## Tips

* **Sync your calendar** so Sift can infer your location from class schedules
* **Use building codes** — "HUMN 150" works just as well as "Humanities Building Room 150"
* **Ask for nearby places** when you're between classes and need a spot
* **Directions work anywhere** — not just campus. Ask for directions while traveling too