Before you drop $300 on that Garmin automobile navigation system, you may be wondering if you should stick with free online driving directions. After all, Yahoo and Google map developers are ambitiously working with cell phone application developers and carriers to offer mapping capabilities right on your mobile phone. In a few years' time, a car GPS device could become obsolete. Here are some practical pros and cons of the various map data sites.
There are a number of advantages to searching online for driving directions. For instance, you can read about traffic accidents, congestion or construction; all updated in real-time. You can check for alternate routes to take the shortest distance, shortest time, avoid highways or avoid tolls.
Along the way, you can find gas stations, restrooms, eateries, post offices and other useful businesses. You can gather step-by-step directions from one location to the next, including stops at up to 10 different locations, which will tell you the mileage and estimated travel time to make sure you do not miss turns or arrive late. In the last few years, you have also gained the ability to send these online maps to your cell phone so you don't even have to waste printer ink or paper.
MapQuest driving directions were at the forefront of the mapping community since the dawn of online maps. They were the first site to offer multiple stops without creating a new search and the ability to email a road map link. They too offer business locations and traffic reports.
If you notice a problem with some of the directions, there is a Data Error Report form you can fill out to improve the site's accuracy. Comparatively, one of the best things about MapQuest is the simplicity and functionality.
Although the downside to this site is that you cannot do all the fancy drag-and-drop maneuvers (if you consider that a downside at all), there are no satellite maps, you may have a hard time planning alternate detour routes and the language used for explaining slight turns or freeway ramps can be a little confusing.
Ask City is another noteworthy site for driving directions, although it is often overshadowed by Live Earth, Google and Yahoo. The "places of interest" are easily pinpointed on the site, which include everything from local movie theaters and museums to local events and businesses.
You will be able to view multi-point directions all on the same page just like the other sites. However, the social networking capacity has not been fully developed on Ask City and navigating your way to posting a review can be more trouble than it is worth. There is also no way of stopping mid-search without closing the window, which can be annoying.
You may also think the maps are not as pretty on Ask City, compared to a Google map. Perhaps the best way to find your optimal site is simply to test drive all of the sites, spending a little time surfing around each one and see which feels most comfortable.
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