Short Driving Directions Review

I realize I am probably dating myself just a little... but web based map services like Google Maps just astonish me. Whoever figured out how to map any block on the planet in 5 seconds has to be rich... if not they should be.

Take a look at maps.google.com. Although they got into the map business just recently, they are now the 1,000 lb gorilla when it comes to maps and directions.

I have been using G-Maps for a quite awhile. Their technology continually advance, and along with it, the detail of the maps has improved considerably. There are other chief web players that provide geo mapping with great success as well. The big 3 are Google, MapQuest and the granddaddy of them all, Rand McNally.

Below are cursory reviews of G-Maps, MapQuest And Rand McNally maps; reading them should cut down your learning curve when you arrive at the websites.

I switched to Google Maps after using MapQuest for almost nine years (more about MapQuest below). What changed my loyalty after all those years, was examining the directions at Google Maps. You know, when all else fails read the instruction?

If Google keeps going like they have they will be in charge of the world in thirty years. Google has outstanding point-to-point mapping worldwide but their true strength comes in their satellite mapping.

Google maps is incredibly feature rich and their manual does a much better job of teaching than we can. With that in mind, let's cover the main applications, you will find lots more when you delve into the website.

All of Google Maps is based on earth satellite imagery. You can quickly locate Physical maps, Political maps, Road maps and Topographic maps anywhere on the planet.

You can zoom into Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and actually distinguish tourists walking around or see the cars entering the on ramp of the Golden Gate Bridge. Map overlays can be added for almost anywhere as well.

Another exclusive feature of Google Maps is that it lets you to change the route it has laid out for you, simply by dragging the route marking to a different spot. We often know alternate routes, learned by experience that we want to stick to. All other services will not let you change the path... with Google Maps it's easy and immediate.

Rand McNally has been making road atlases for a long time. Word has it that Fred Flintstone used their atlas. They still prefer the printed map or atlas and publish a lot of them. Next time you stop at a gas station check by the register, I bet you'll find Rand McNally atlases for sale. Now, having said that, they have outstanding e-maps and directions. I find them particularly effective for comparing routes with Google or MapQuest as a double check kind of thing.

MapQuest has been around since the good old days of the internet... 1996... so by e-standards, it's very old if not ancient. AOL bought it in 2000 and remains in charge.

I could not count how many times this service has provided me accurate road maps. They have exceptional US and European maps but are definitely weaker on the rest of the world. If you use them in the States, they are quite specific and typically dependable. The map accuracy drops off a little in high growth cities, mapping always lags hyper growth .

The last chief feature on MapQuest, is that it will search for the least expensive gas or diesel no matter where you are in the US. It's a great way to keep an eye on your fuel budget and it only takes 30 seconds.

Between the three of these sites, you should be able to find your way around anywhere on the planet.