How to Mark Waypoints on iPhone: Your Position, a Map Point or a Typed Grid

TL;DR

Add a waypoint from your current position, from the map crosshair, by typing a grid, or by projecting range and bearing from any origin. Give it a name, a one-character map label, a colour and symbol, then file it in an overlay.

The problem

You find the spring, the cache or the trailhead, and you want it back in an hour or next year. Dropping a pin in a general maps app means a pin with a street name; you can’t give it a grid, add notes, group it with others, or project a point that you can’t stand on.

Four ways to add one

Open the Points tab and add a waypoint. Choose a Source:

  1. Current location: uses the live GPS fix (“Waiting for GPS fix…” until there is one).
  2. Map point: on the Map, centre the crosshair on the spot and press Mark.
  3. Grid: type a coordinate in your primary format. It’s parsed on the spot, no network needed.
  4. Range & bearing: pick an origin (your position, the map centre or an existing waypoint), then a distance and a bearing. The new point is projected along the ground. If your bearing is magnetic or grid, set the north reference first and it is converted correctly.

Describe it

  • Name and a one-character map label that shows on the marker.
  • Marker style: shape and colour, or one of 17 basic military symbols (friendly, hostile, neutral, unknown).
  • Overlay: which group it lands in (see the overlays guide).
  • Notes, added in the editor.

Work with the list

Swipe or tap a waypoint for: Go to (start navigating), Show on map, Copy grid, Share…, QR code, Edit and Delete.

Tips

  • Name for the future you: “Spring - dry in Aug” beats “WP 14”.
  • Mark the point where you left the vehicle first thing; it’s the easiest waypoint to forget.
  • Use projection to place a target or a rendezvous you’ve only got a bearing and distance for.

Privacy

Waypoints are stored on the device (SwiftData), not on a server, and not in iCloud unless you export a file there yourself.

FAQ

Can I add a waypoint by typing a grid? Yes. Choose the typed source and enter it in your primary format, for example 38SMB 44880 11710. The Save button is disabled until the grid parses.

What is “project from”? You pick an origin (your position, the map centre or a waypoint), then enter a range and bearing. The app computes the point along the ground, following the earth’s curvature.

Are there military symbols? Yes. A set of 17 basic symbols for friendly, hostile, neutral and unknown units, plus custom marker shapes and colours.

Can I edit a waypoint’s position later? Yes. Edit the grid in the waypoint’s editor and save. Leave it as it is to keep the position.

The app MGRS GPS →