# Mapkit

Implement, review, or improve maps and location features in iOS/macOS apps using MapKit...

- Repository: https://github.com/dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills (1266 stars)
- Category: Mobile
- License: see repository
- Last updated: 2026-07-31
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills --skill mapkit -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills --skill mapkit -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills --skill mapkit -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills --skill mapkit -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills`

## Description

Implement, review, or improve maps and location features in iOS/macOS apps using MapKit and CoreLocation. Use when working with Map views, annotations, markers, polylines, user location tracking, geocoding, reverse geocoding, search/autocomplete, directions and routes, geofencing, region monitoring, CLLocationUpdate async streams, or location authorization flows. Also use when working with maps, coordinates, addresses, places, directions, distance calculations, or location-based features in Swift apps.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# MapKit

Build map-based and location-aware features targeting iOS 17+ with SwiftUI
MapKit and modern CoreLocation async APIs. Use `Map` with `MapContentBuilder`
for views, `CLLocationUpdate.liveUpdates()` for streaming location, and
`CLMonitor` for geofencing.

Read [references/mapkit-patterns.md](references/mapkit-patterns.md) when you need full map setup, search,
routes, Look Around, snapshots, or iOS 26 place APIs. Read
[references/mapkit-corelocation-patterns.md](references/mapkit-corelocation-patterns.md) when the task involves
location update lifecycle, geofencing, background location, testing, or privacy keys.

## Contents

- [Workflow](#workflow)
- [SwiftUI Map View (iOS 17+)](#swiftui-map-view-ios-17)
- [CoreLocation Modern API](#corelocation-modern-api)
- [Geocoding](#geocoding)
- [Search](#search)
- [Directions](#directions)
- [PlaceDescriptor (iOS 26+)](#placedescriptor-ios-26)
- [Common Mistakes](#common-mistakes)
- [Review Checklist](#review-checklist)
- [References](#references)

## Workflow

### 1. Add a map with markers or annotations

1. Import `MapKit`.
2. Create a `Map` view with optional `MapCameraPosition` binding.
3. Add `Marker`, `Annotation`, `MapPolyline`, `MapPolygon`, or `MapCircle`
   inside the `MapContentBuilder` closure.
4. Configure map style with `.mapStyle()`.
5. Add map controls with `.mapControls { }`.
6. Handle selection with a `selection:` binding.

### 2. Track user location

1. Add `NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription` to Info.plist.
2. On iOS 18+, create a `CLServiceSession` to manage authorization.
3. Iterate `CLLocationUpdate.liveUpdates()` in a `Task`.
4. Filter updates by distance or accuracy before updating the UI.
5. Stop the task when location tracking is no longer needed.

### 3. Search for places

The rest: https://github.com/dpearson2699/swift-ios-skills/blob/HEAD/skills/mapkit/SKILL.md