Google Maps and MapQuest Driving Directions Round-Up

Google Maps

The younger you are, the easier it is to take technology for granted. Whether you are jaded or, like me, more easily amused, I find mapping services like Google Maps or Mapquest simply wonderful. The people who have put together this technology over the last 10 years are brilliant.

Take a look at maps.google.com. Although they got into the map game only a few years ago, they are now the 1,000 lb gorilla when it comes to maps and driving directions.

Google Maps has been my favorite for a few years already. The know-how in the geo-mapping arena has advanced remarkably yielding wonderful maps of most of the planet and driving directions to just about any point on planet Earth.

I'm going to do a short review of these three services, which with any luck will save you some exploration time when you get to the websites.

I switched to Google Maps after using Map Quest for almost 10 years (more about Map Quest below). What switched my allegiance after all those years, was reading the instructions at Google Maps. You know, when all else fails read the instruction?

If Google keeps going like they have they'll be in charge of the world in no time. Google has first-rate point-to-point mapping worldwide but their true power comes in their satellite mapping.

Google maps is extremely feature rich and their manual does a way better job of explaining it than we can. With that in mind, let's cover the main features, you will find heaps more when you explore the website.

All of Google Maps is based on actual 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 traffic entering the on ramp of the Brooklyn Bridge. Map overlays can be added for almost anywhere as well.

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Google maps takes a step forward

Google Maps
After the success of Google maps, Google has teamed up with Gilbarco Veeder-Root to bring Google maps to petrol stations across America. Internet connected touch screens will be installed on pumps and motorist will be able to get directions and print out a copy whilst filling their tanks. Gilbarco Veeder-Root is a company providing fuel and retail management services to Petrol stations and convenience stores in the US, this new partnership and business step seems to be a good move by Google to a get a little more exposure and publicity not that it necessarily needs it. Note that Google will not be receiving any advertising revenue from this. Insiders see this new move as good profit opportunity, petrol stations will increase their earnings from motorist that would stop to use the map and purchase fuel, the company involved could also see this as a good opportunity to increase volume sales of pumps and other services they offfer.

As per Kirsten Paust, vice president of global retail systems at Gilbarco Veeder-Root, "getting directions at the pump is safer than using Internet-enabled devices from the driver's seat and far more reliable than just asking a stranger (...) We believe consumers will prefer convenience stores that deliver useful information and ultimate convenience. Retailers who use these tools will make themselves more valuable to consumers and gain the competitive edge".

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