Filed under: Internet, Features, Web services, AOL
Mapquest getting a long overdue facelift - VIDEO
It looks like AOL (the company that owns both Mapquest and this blog) has no plans to let Mapquest rest on its laurels. The company pushed out a new version of Mapquest beta today, and an accompanying Mapquest beta blog. TechCrunch reports that today's beta is tomorrow's default interface. Mapquest plans to roll out the changes to its main site by the end of the year.
So what's new? First up, you get a map on the front page, not just text entry boxes. Second, you no longer have to enter a street, city, and state all in separate boxes. There's a unified Google Maps-like box at the top. The default view is the directions view. But you can also search for businesses and places, for example, "coffee shops" in "New York." You still have to remember to type the place name in one box and the location name in the other or you'll be less than satisfied with your results.
Here are a few other features we like:
- Print a map showing whatever level of detail you'd like
- Move icons out of the way if they're blocking a street name or other important features
- Adjust your default settings, including map or aerial view, set home and work locations, etc
- Get directions for trips with multiple stops
- Minimize the text sidebar and maximize the map
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gardiner Westbound said 10:36PM on 10-12-2007
I prefer the current Mapquest interface to Google. I'll give it a try, but I have a feeling I'll be looking for another map service.
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cyberguy said 10:38PM on 10-12-2007
Sounds like an improvement
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Marcelo said 8:55AM on 10-13-2007
Good improvement
http://www.spymac.com/details/?2266819
MarC
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michael said 10:41PM on 10-13-2007
Too late!
I'm already on Live Maps and it's the best web maps service there is:
http://maps.live.com/
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kevjohn said 10:29AM on 10-15-2007
Mapquest does maps?
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carl said 4:20PM on 10-15-2007
Love google maps for getting directions. right click.. "directions from here". Find a destination, right click, "directions to here." right click anywhere in between to add intermediate stops. Don't like the route? click and hold on any part of the route, drag it to the road you'd rather take. I like that.
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carl said 4:22PM on 10-15-2007
And you can use the scroll wheel to zoom in, but it centers on wherever your mouse is located, not the middle of the map. No extra clicks.
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james 42 said 9:40PM on 10-15-2007
carl, that scroll to zoom is what does it for me too :)
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