Online Map Services

Free online map services combine map navigational tools with local search features. Online maps are useful because they can quickly and efficiently give you directions, report accidents and/or driving conditions and relay useful business information, including addresses and phone numbers.
 
A number of different Internet sites provide free, decent online maps. Here is an in-depth look at some of the most popular and user-friendly online map services.
 

MapQuest

MapQuest, one of the most widely used online map services, is very user-friendly with decent maps that zoom in to city/street level. With MapQuest, you can easily print out clear maps and turn-by-turn driving directions.
 
Features available include:
  • business directory
  • driving directions
  • gas prices
  • local online maps
  • Mobile Access (turns your phone into a voice guided navigation device with Real-Time Traffic and AOL City's Best ratings)
  • street and aerial views
  • traffic conditions, detailing traffic speeds and indicating minor, moderate and severe incidents
  • Road Trip Planner that helps you plan a trip with multiple stops.

Google

Google maps has increased in popularity over the years likely due to the fact that it continues to add new, useful features. Some of the helpful features on Google maps include:
  • business directory
  • driving directions
  • local online maps
  • Google Maps for mobile (This is a free downloadable application allowing access to local information, directions and maps.)
  • multi-view satellite maps that present street, terrain and traffic views
  • traffic information.

Yahoo

Yahoo Maps, which is older than Google Maps, has perfected most mapping capabilities and is, therefore, one of the most user-friendly online map Web sites.
 
Features include:
  • driving directions
  • business information
  • highlights for museums, amusement parks, ATM machines and other landmarks
  • local online maps
  • real time traffic reports (These detail traffic speeds and indicate minor, moderate and severe incidents or accidents.)
  • satellite, hybrid and map views.

Rand McNally

Rand McNally is a trusted map publisher who provides printable maps and driving directions. If you want "store quality" maps, the Rand McNally Web site offers you the option of buying a paid-membership that allows you to download high quality maps. However, since Rand McNally offers a good online map selection for free, a paid membership is not necessary for most users.
 
Functions available for free online maps include:
  • Best of the Road (Rand McNally editors provide detailed information and suggestions about taking road trips.)
  • city and state guides
  • driving directions
  • local Online Maps
  • national park guides
  • online store (Here, users can purchase GPS navigators, globes, paper maps, atlases and a variety of other useful equipment for navigating the roads.)
  • Search for Things to Do feature, which gives users suggestions on fun activities to do in different areas
  • traffic information
  • traffic on demand by text message and picture maps available through mobile web.

MSN Maps

MSN Maps has one of the largest selection of map views. Features available include:
  • business information
  • city guides
  • driving directions
  • local online maps
  • multi-views: 2D, 3D, Road, Aerial, Hybrid and Bird's Eye views of areas worldwide
  • traffic information
  • white pages
  • yellow pages.

Yellow Pages

While the Yellow Pages is great as a business or personal directory, this Web site isn't as user-friendly when it comes to online maps and directions.
 
Available features include:
  • business directory
  • driving directions
  • local online maps
  • multi-views: Road, Aerial, Hybrid, Bird's Eye
  • personal directory (This includes reverse directory in which you can look up phone numbers by address, rather than by name.)
  • Toolbar and Desktop Shortcut
  • traffic information
  • Yellowpages.com Mobile access that sends messages and alerts via text to your cell phone.

Where to Go for A World Map Online

If you are looking for a world map, rather than just a local map or directions, visit one of these free sites:
  • Google Earth offers high power search functions to provide 3D satellite images and maps of the world.

  • HRW World Maps is an online world map powered by Map Quest.

  • Rand McNally offers world maps for a fee in its online store.

  • Yahoo Directory offers links to multiple world maps online.
An online world map allows travelers to easily plan their itinerary anywhere in the world. It also acts as a great source for those curious about geography or traveling.

Online Maps versus Paper Maps

Free online maps are striving to help visitors quickly find directions while providing a multitude of helpful information. As a result, online map services are hoping that consumers will turn to free online maps before paper maps because paper maps cannot offer interactive features and up-to-date traffic information.
 
Resources
 
Boswell, Wendy (n.d.). Online Map. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the About.com Web site.
 
Liedtke, Michael (2005). Google Localizes Online Maps Service. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the USA Today Web site.
 
United States Maps (n.d.). Travel with Kids. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the About.com Web site.