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
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-12-2007 @ 10:36PM
Gardiner Westbound said...
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.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 10:38PM
cyberguy said...
Sounds like an improvement
Reply
10-13-2007 @ 8:55AM
Marcelo said...
Good improvement
http://www.spymac.com/details/?2266819
MarC
Reply
10-13-2007 @ 10:41PM
michael said...
Too late!
I'm already on Live Maps and it's the best web maps service there is:
http://maps.live.com/
Reply
10-15-2007 @ 10:29AM
kevjohn said...
Mapquest does maps?
Reply
10-15-2007 @ 4:20PM
carl said...
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.
Reply
10-15-2007 @ 4:22PM
carl said...
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.
Reply
10-15-2007 @ 9:40PM
james 42 said...
carl, that scroll to zoom is what does it for me too :)
Reply