MapQuest was a huge hit when it started on the Internet in 1996. No longer did people have to use paper maps to figure out directions to their destinations, now all they had to do was just type in the addresses and ta-da… instant directions. Genius. MapQuest remained the leader in this type of industry until recently when Google introduced Google Maps.
This graph from the Internet shows that google maps appears to be giving MapQuest a difficult time. After looking at the two websites, it is not hard to understand why Google Maps appears to be so popular. First, they have amazing views of streets all across the world. I was able to “walk” right by my house and down the street on google. This is a great feature because, (not only can you now spy on your neighbors via the Internet) but you can find out how the area you are heading to looks so you do not get lost. Another popular feature on Google is that you can manually change your route on the map by clicking and dragging. On MapQuest this is not an option, the directions that they give you are your only option.
I am sure that all of us have used MapQuest at some point, so we all understand how it works. In my opinion it could use some updating to keep up with the new technology at Google. Google appears to be taking over the Internet, now you can use Google for almost all your normal internet needs. People are fond of the Google name and trust it, this also may be a reason for Google Maps rise in popularity.
4 Responses to “MapQuest vs. Google Maps”
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I had some first hand experience with the difficulties of mapquest this weekend actually. I think the most frustrating part of the directions they give is that they don’t give you alternative routes or give you good visuals so you could even ty and figure out an alternative route. Once we missed one direction, we were LOST!! But hey, it definitly beats getting one of those old school maps out and trying to figure out where you are!
I started out using Mapquest back in the day, but after being introduced to Google Maps, I was an instant convert. I prefer GoogleMaps to Mapquest for precisely the reasons you mentioned: it’s nice to be able to change routes with the drag of a mouse and get visual confirmation of your route before you head out, especially in an unfamiliar location where it’s nice to know to “turn at the McDonalds” instead of merely “turn onto Forbes Avenue”. While it is a little creepy to know that Google uses satellite images, I’d rather feel a little invaded and have up-to-date records than get directions from old routes burried in the Mapquest archive. As Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell said in Lazy Sunday, “GoogleMaps is the best, true that, DOUBLE TRUE!”
Oh my, yes GoogleMaps is the best. I have been using it for quite some time now. The user interface is far superior I feel, and it’s no wander that it is bringing MapQuest down. I think the with the decreasing prices in GPS units though, both websites will probably see declining use over the next few years.
And here is a tutorial for Google Maps made in paper :)
Pretty sure you’ll like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9TtDecveCE