Google Mapquest Driving Directions Contest
77Since I have a genuine interest in driving directions software, I thought I just publish this quick review from my friend Joshua Nestor, where he compares some of the sites where you can get driving directions. We are not talking GPS here, just plain old online services. For some mysterious reason he omitted Yahoo - don't ask me why...
Quick Driving Directions Review
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I realize I am probably dating myself just a little... but web based map services like G-Maps just astonish me. Whoever found out how to map any block on the planet in 5 seconds has to be rich... if not they should be.
If you never utilized this wonderful service, go to maps.google.com right now. It doesn't matter where you are going... the shortest most up to date driving instructions and road maps are seconds away.
I have been using G-Maps for a quite some time. Their technology continually advance, and alongside with it, the detail of the maps has advanced considerably. There are other key web properties that provide geo mapping with great success as well. The big 3 are Google, MapQuest and the granddaddy of them all, Rand McNally.
I'm going to do a cursory overview of these three services, which with any luck will save you some time when you get to the websites.
I switched to G-Maps after using Map Quest for nearly 8 years (more about Map Quest below). What spoiled my loyalty after all those years, was studying the instructions at G-Maps. You know, when all else fails read the instruction?
It is a miraculous bit of technology which will present you with both maps anywhere in the world and detailed driving instructions in most countries.
To try and cover all of G-Maps in this review would fail, so let's look at the focal features of the site and you can learn the rest when you get there.
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GARMIN STREETPILOT C330 CAR GPS V8 MAP TALK NAVIGATION
Current Bid: $124.99
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GARMIN STREETPILOT C330 CAR GPS V8 MAP TALK NAVIGATION
Current Bid: $124.99
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GARMIN NUVI 350 AUTOMOTIVE GPS In Box 2008 V9 Maps,CASE
Current Bid: $160.00
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TOMTOM GO ONE GPS CAR NAVIGATION TOM +MAP US/CANADA/PR
Current Bid: $132.94
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MAGELLAN ROADMATE 2200T CAR GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEM 2200
Current Bid: $128.90
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TOMTOM GO ONE GPS CAR NAVIGATION TOM +MAP US/CANADA/PR
Current Bid: $132.94
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You can observe earth satellite images all over the planet and overlay streets on those satellite images, it's awesome. All the major map categories are available to view.
You can zoom into Eiffel Tower in Paris and actually distinguish tourists walking around or see the cars entering the on ramp of the Brooklyn Bridge. Map overlays can be added for almost anywhere as well.
Perhaps the most unique tool of mapping is the users ability to alter any route the computer shows. If you want to drive a different route all you need to do is drag and drop the route trail to a different location. Many times you want to go to alternate locations on your route... other sites will not enable you to do this, with Google it's a breeze.
Rand McNally has been making maps and road atlases for a long time. Word has it that Fred Flintstone used their atlas. They still prefer the printed map or atlas and sell a lot of them. Next time you stop at a gas station check by the register, it's a safe bet you'll find Rand McNally maps for sale. Now, having said that, they have excellent e-maps and directions. I find them especially useful for comparing routes with Google or Map Quest as a double check kind of thing.
Map Quest is the granddaddy of computer mapping having been started in the 1960's by Donnelly Advertising. They were bought in 2000 by AOL.
I could not count how many times Mapquest has provided me accurate driving directions. They have excellent US and European coverage but are definitely weaker on the rest of the planet. If you use them in the States, they are quite specific and generally dependable. The map accuracy drops off a tad in high growth cities, mapping always lags hyper growth .
Map Quest has a "Gas Prices" icon right on the top menu bar that will search for the best gas or diesel prices anywhere in the US. This is a real money saver and I check it before every fill up if I can.
Hope this helps you never to get lost again, and safe travels to you always.
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Joshua Nestor
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I use it all the time. Thanks.
I don't think we have that in Australia yet where it tells about gas prices as well :) Soon....maybe
Thanks, guys :)
@Rowell - I think you'll have it soon down there :)
I use Google Maps all the time, but I found some errors in them, I used Mapquest a little before but I will try and compare them both next time. Accuracy is the main thing, Google and others should verify it themselves randomly to see they give great results.
I like google maps a bit more. I've had issues with mapquest.
After looking at this I decided to use G-maps for my Las Vegas site. I like to get oriented by checking out a map before I go anywhere.
I'm not computer savvy, so I often have a problem with MapQuest in terms getting results -- but when I get the directions they are pretty accurate and helpful. Next time I'll try G-maps, which I didn't know about. Thanks for the tip.
Knowing me, I'll still get lost. But I did have my questions answered about Mapquest. Thanks for posting this. And what a great image!
This is a beautiful hub, great work misha.
J.T
Thanks everybody :)
Well done Misha. We can all use a little direction.
Pass along to your friend who wrote this review, I believe you said his name was Joshua Nestor, that he writes good material. Thanks for showing this to us!
Very interesting, thanks Misha! Like Rowell, I'm in Australia, so we have something to look forward to.
We are driving to bulgaria next year so we will definatly be having a look at the site , cheers mandy
Good hub! I use mapquest a lot.
That's a nice Hub, thanks!
I love mapquest and today was my first time to experience GPS sysyem in a car. THAT i s really cool.
Thanks guys :)
@Gamegirl
I sent him the link, so he can enjoy your comment, too :)
@Darron
Yeah, GPS is a really cool toy. It's usefullness in day-to-day commute is questionable, though. Since I go new places relatively rare, I find the price tag to be too high to justify its benefits for me... But this is just me :) If you often drive along unfamiliar routes, GPS is a great helper.
Misha, I used your Russian website www.marwrut.ru - and it works very well. I can plan my trips in advance and I have not seen any similar sites in Russian before
Thanks
I usually don't have any problems with mapquest, but one time they gave me directions that only got me 3/4s the way somewhere. We had to figure the rest out for ourselves.
Great Hub, Misha. I use Google Maps, mapquest and Yahoo for both personal trips and trips for work. Since my employer allows us to use either the miles as measured by one of these services or our own milage log for milage reimbursment I have been able to forget the milage log and just submit the miles included with the driving directions.
I have also found Google maps to be a great way to get some background on new business clients when they call. Just do a Google Map search and then click on the links for the business when it appears on the map. Having this background information about the company not only lets me speak knowingly about their business but also can give me an idea of the types of computer training services that they may need and which my employer can offer. Chuck
Thanks guys for all your comments and insight :)
Yesterday we had to drive 80 K to visit a friend to take her out for her Birthday. We had to cross under the Harbour. Get onto another motorway and continue on for 1 hour 30 mins for the journey.
Coming home we got on a different motorway, which ultimately became a another motorway. we Saved 25 minutes in time. That's the way to go in future.
I use Google Maps all the time and I had no idea you could actually adjust the route. That's kinda brilliant. I'll be using that feature the next time I have to drive through NYC and all of the map software insists on sending me on roads I hate driving in Connecticut.
great service,w/ no probs.
Thanks guys, I appreciate you comments :)
Interesting topic, well written. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Mr.Nice, I'll try :)
Nice hub! And such a cool photo :)
Thanks for stopping by :)
Your the coolest Misha NIce Hub
Thanks Coolbreeze :)
I used to use multimap for directions, but Google Maps are great, especially in hybrid view. I had to find a cricket pitch in the middle of nowhere and I could actually zoom in and see the stripes of the square in satellite view - brilliant.
I've only been lost twice in my entire long, long life so I never saw a need for a GPS system. But I have a sister who can get lost going to the grocery store so I plan on gifting her with a GPS. Thanks for the review. I wanted to find the system that was easiest to use.
dugg
Groovy Hub Misha!
I have google maps on my iphone and I LOOOOOVE IT! On computer or my iphone.... it is amazing technology.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
Thanks a lot guys for your participation!
Hi, my sweet....how are you, nice hub....when will you be writing another??? I will wait patiently!
This is great info; I digg it ! Keep up the good work
Debbie, you are soooo sweeeeeet ;)
Thanks usedcars, I appreciate it!
Google also has a free phone application that I use on my Palm Treo 700P. I've used their maps countless numbers of times and love them. You can get the mobile version here. http://www.google.com/mobile/ It includes (form major metro areas) a traffic indicator as well. No looking while driving though.... :)
Nice hub.
hello who sing up website?????
by (tung kosovo)
Syvar, thanks :)
Boy niti, I can't understand you. Try to say it in different words :)
Misha,
I use Google Maps all the time. I have an iPhone and Gmaps is bulit in. I can be on the road and directions instantly. I love it.
Jonathan
I also am amazed by mapping applications, Misha. Bet your 1st computer was like mine: a fully loaded 256 K with floppy drives. Egads!
Hi Misha,
Thanks for visiting The Abundance highway, not sure what you mean about the feeds in relation to the post you have commented on?
Thanks, guys :)
Barbara, I actually started to work on Russian knock-off of Wang 2200 http://www.wang2200.org/iskra-226.html with whopping 64K of memory :)
and the first computer I ever touched was "Promin" - see pic here http://www.icfcst.kiev.ua/Museum/GL_HALL2/COMPUTER
You had to use sticks marked "read", "write", etc. to enter the program, then use numeric keyboard to enter the numbers, and you can read results on 10-positions display :D
Thanks Misha, your pages are great! Online maps are, indeed, a lifesaver. I print them out whenever I go anywhere.
Thanks for stopping by, Andy :)
Rocking on DIGG!!
Congrats...Great Work!!
you are being sooo sarcastic Misna
Andy, do you mean here or on the forums?
Hi Misha. I've just noticed a comment made in my name, but it was not me. I am always logged in when I make comments, and that comment ("you are being...") was not made by a logged in user, instead, somebody typed in my name in the comment form. That comment was either made by someone with the same name as me, or by someone who is trying to frame me.
But while I'm here, I'll just say again that google maps are absolutely terrific! Printed another one out two days ago .
these maps make the world much smaller and less complicated. Thanks Misha!
Great hub Misha! Used Mapquest many times. Must check out Google next time. Blessings.
very informative hub you have here Misha. I myself never used it much but lot of my friends make use of them. When we are invited to go to the place we never been before my friend always consult the google maps first. I should use them myself, after ready your hub, thank you.
Very good hub - Thankyou!
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Take a look at my other hubs
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Jared-Blake says:
9 months ago
Misha, good stuff...Thank you!
Regards, Jared Blake