Looks like MapQuest is trying to get back on top, I'm sure they've suffered a huge blow with Google and Yahoo! competing for their business. MapQuest used to be my first choice for maps, that is until Google came around with their service. I go back and forth between Google and Yahoo! but I haven't given MapQuest much of a thought lately, until today, that is.
Here is a list of features that MapQuest is offering, and let me tell you, a few of these I've been waiting around for a long time for somebody to finally give them to me!
Shortest Time
MapQuest factors in dozens of variables to generate the most efficient route based on the expected trip time. This is the "classic" MapQuest route, recommended for most trips.
Shortest Distance
This new option provides the shortest distance route. Great for finding new ways across town - or try it along with Avoid Highways to plan your next bike ride!
Avoid Highways
Freeways make you nervous? Like exploring the back roads? Try our Avoid Highways option.
Avoid Tolls
Hate waiting at toll booths? Want to save a few bucks? Avoid Tolls was designed for you!
I've been looking for a mapping service that allows me to customize routes based on roads I want to take. I know I can get to Angola, Indiana using I-94 and I-69 but we live off of US-12 and don't mind taking that route instead. We also skip I-94 when going to Illinois and take the US-12 route to I-69. Now if I needed to give directions using US-12 instead of the interstate I can plan a route that avoids the interstate for friends or family based on specific preferences.
I hate tolls! I don't think we should have to pay to use a road and use them very infrequently. My only exception is the Chicago Skyway, that is $2.00 (or maybe more now) that is absolutely worth the cost. I purposely took back roads from Ohio to Wisconsin while I was in college to avoid having to use the Ohio or Indiana Toll Roads. My route saved me money in gas and didn't add much to time, if ever I get a change to effectively avoid toll roads, I will always take that chance. Besides you miss a lot driving around on the interstate all the time, you get to see things you wouldn't otherwise see and you get to inadvertently discover new places you never knew existed. It's the closest I get to an adventurous spirit.
These new MapQuest services may just be enough to bring me back to the service. I have all summer as a road warrior to try them out too!
technorati tags: mapquest, maps, travel, google_map, yahoo_maps, toll_roads, interstate, highways, driving
