apple-maps_skill

Overview

This skill enables searching places, opening routes, and running Apple Maps workflows on macOS using local CLI commands and Shortcut automation with explicit safety checks. It emphasizes deterministic URL-based requests, command-path probing, and strict confirmation for high-impact actions. Memory and logs are kept locally under ~/apple-maps/ to preserve defaults and audit decisions.

How this skill works

On first run the skill probes available command paths (open, shortcuts, osascript) and records the validated path and safety defaults in local memory. For each request it builds an explicit Apple Maps URL, previews the final URL and parameters to the user, and requires confirmation before launching Maps or sharing links. High-impact operations (route changes, bulk opens, share actions) require additional explicit confirmation and are logged in ~/apple-maps/.

When to use it

• Search places, categories, or addresses directly from macOS without opening a browser first
• Open driving, walking, or transit routes using deterministic Apple Maps URLs
• Generate reusable Apple Maps links for sharing after explicit confirmation
• Run Shortcut-based map automations while ensuring safe, auditable execution
• Perform bounded area or context-specific searches to avoid vague results

Best practices

• Provide a clear query plus optional area/context to keep searches bounded and deterministic
• Always review the previewed Apple Maps URL and parameters before execution
• Confirm any route destination change, repeated opens, or link-sharing actions explicitly
• Prefer the documented Maps URL parameters and avoid UI scripting where possible
• Store operation records and confirmations locally in ~/apple-maps/ for auditing

Example use cases

• Find nearby coffee shops within a specific neighborhood and open the top result in Maps after previewing the URL
• Create and confirm a driving route to a meeting location, then launch Maps in driving mode
• Generate a shareable map link to a venue, preview the URL to strip any private notes, and then share after confirmation
• Run a prebuilt Shortcut that opens a sequence of mapped stops but require a second confirmation before bulk opening