Tips For Finding Online Local Maps

Whether you need directions to a new restaurant or to your next job interview, a number of Web sites can provide you with directions and maps that will help you get where you need to be. Depending on your situation, you will either be able to find local maps online or via electronic devices, such as GPS or technologically advanced cell phones.
 
If you have access to the Internet, you can easily find local maps through various Web sites, including:
  • AskCity: AskCity has fast become one of the leaders in online local maps. It combines over ten years of local information from CitySearch, owned by InterActive Corp, to give you as much information about a specific area as possible.


    AskCity integrates its maps and directions with information on businesses, events and movies. This allows you to find events being held locally, find businesses in your zip code, get local directions and maps and pinpoint movies showing in your area.


    You can even save these searches for later use, or print out a map with everything you’re looking for on one page.


    If you want to do all of your errands at one time, AskCity also allows you to create multi-point directions so that you never get lost traveling from your first stop to your last stop.


    AskCity has access to all of InterActive Corp’s content, so all information can be accessed on this one site, rather than directing you to outside links.
  • Google Local Maps: Google Maps enables you to get driving directions and find businesses in your area. However, while Google Maps allows you to print maps and directions from your computer, you cannot to send maps to your cell phone.


    Some of the advantages of Google Maps are its detailed, easy-to-use maps, smooth panning and search tool that allows you to use keywords, instead of exact addresses.


    Another cool feature of Google Local is its local live maps. You can find local street maps by entering a street address. You will be shown a street view of the house or business. In some cases, you can zoom in so close that it’s possible to look through the windows!
  • MapQuest: MapQuest is probably one of the best known and most useful map sites on the Web since 1996. According to company data, MapQuest is consistently ranked as the top mapping site, with over 40 million unique Internet users visiting each month.


    The site's simple appearance makes it highly user-friendly, as a lack of clutter on the main page allows users to easily find maps or start direction searches. Another useful tool is the zip code feature. If you do not know the zip code but you do know the street address, MapQuest will automatically add the 9-digit zip code to your directions.


    A fun MapQuest tool is the "Gas Prices" feature. By entering an address or zip code, you can find the closest gas stations and compare their prices.


    The data used by MapQuest comes from a Chicago-based company called NAVTEQ, who also provides data to Google Maps. You can report any errors to NAVTEQ on their Map Error Reporter Web site.
  • Yahoo Local Maps: Yahoo Local Maps have excellent detail and are easy to read. You can even plan your daily commute by checking out the traffic congestion and street problems ahead of time.


    Some notable features of Yahoo Local Maps include its ability to link businesses and driving directions, as well as a feature that allows you to plan multiple stops and up-to-date points of interest. If you are on your way out the door, Yahoo Local Maps also allows you to send directions to your cell phone for free.

Maps on Electronic Devices

Some other places to get real-time local maps are:
  • Global Positioning Systems (GPS): Portable GPS devices can be mounted to your dashboard or carried in your pocket while hiking, running, biking and boating (or just about any activity outdoors). GPS is a satellite-informed navigational tool that can provide you with both maps and driving directions.
  • Mapping Software: Mapping software, such as Microsoft’s Streets & Trips 2008 with GPS Locator, makes getting directions and planning trips easy. In addition to maps and driving directions, you can locate services like ATMs, restaurants and gas stations with category-specific icons on the map.
Another interesting tool of Streets & Trips is that you can specify the time of day you wish to travel to get more accurate travel times, trip cost estimates and construction alerts.
 
Whether you use good old fashioned paper maps, online local maps or electronic devices to plan out your trip, planning ahead and getting directions is the best way to save time and money while minimizing your frustration on the road.
 
Resources
 
Arrington, Michael (2006). AskCity Launches. It’s Cool. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the TechCrunch.com Web site.
 
Bigmouthmedia (2006). Ask Unveils AskCity, a New Local Search Engine. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the bigmouthmedia.com Web site.
 
Campbell, Susan J. (2007). Research Indicates Market Booming for GPS Devices. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the tmcnet.com Web site.
 
Capen, Tracey (2008). Never Ask for Directions Again. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the About.com Web site.
 
Karch, Marziah (2008). Review of Google Maps. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the About.com Web site.
 
Rosenberg, Matt (2007). An Overview of MapQuest. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the About.com Web site.
 
Zimmerman, Carl Scott (2006). Online Mapping Services-A Comparison. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the gcna.org Web site.