Top Mapping Tools: Maps, Local Guides & Driving Directions

Jul. 11th, 2007 | by Aibek

Whether you’re looking for a tool to help you plan out your next road trip or a quick map guide for your local area, it’s all here. Below, you’ll find the most popular mapping services on the web. While all of them are about maps and driving directions, most have something extra to offer.

For instance, Ask City seems like a top choice when it comes to getting around within your city, finding out about movie theaters in your area, etc. On the other hand, Google Maps does an excellent job at providing more flexible features for long-distance route planning. Similarly, Microsoft’s Live Search is the only application that provides free ‘Maps’ software for your mobile. So, Enjoy! (Note: entries 1-3 in no particular order)

(1) Yahoo! Maps

Features:

Print maps, send by email, send link to Mobile, OR save to Yahoo! Myweb.
View live road traffic stats along your route. (Geo restrictions apply).
Map view modes: generic map, hybrid, satellite.
Find local businesses (stores, pizzerias, car repair shops, etc.) for any area in US.

(2) Google Maps

Features: Demo (below)

Print maps, send by email, get permanent link to the page.
Ability to drag n’ drop route line right on the map (excellent feature). See Demo video below.
Map view modes: generic map, hybrid, satellite and street view (restricted to specific locations).
Live road traffic stats (mainly for US)
Find local business locations (stores, pizzerias, car repair shops, etc.) for all cities in US, UK, Canada, Europe, and more.
Get driving directions via SMS. Get Details

(3) Live Search - Local

Features: Demo

Print maps (map, text, or both) , send by email, send link to mobile, OR get permanent link.
Live road traffic stats (mainly for US)
Map view modes: Aerial, road, hybrid and 2D/3D (restricted to specific locations)
Find local businesses and people
Free software for Local Maps and local businesses for your mobile (US and UK only). Learn more.
Access website and get driving directions from your mobile via mobile.live.com/search.

(4) Ask City

Features:

Print maps, email, OR get permalink.
Map view modes: street and aerial.
Find local businesses, events, and movies (US only).

(5) MapQuest

Features:

Print maps, send by email, send map link to your mobile, OR get permanent map link.
Get shortest routes (by Time, by Distance) + option to Avoid (Highways, Tolls, seasonally-closed Roads).
Find local businesses and locations (US, Canada).
Premium Offers (non-free): (1) MapQuest Mobile - note: you can get almost same thing from ‘Live Search’ for free, (2) MapQuest Navigator - piece of software that will turn your phone into a full in-car navigation system.

(6) Mulitmap

Features:

Print maps, send by email, send to mobile OR get permalink
Display Cash points, Tube stations, Parking, Petrol stations, Train stations, and Wi-Fi hotspots for your route.
View shortest routes (by Time, by Distance)
Map view modes: generic map, hybrid, satellite.

(7) Maporama

Features:

Print maps OR send by email
Get driving directions on your iPod in .mp3 format.
Get Maporama software on your PDA

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