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Web users in search of driving directions usually visit one of the following sites: Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, Mapquest or Live Maps. A good way to gauge these sites is to try plotting out a drive you are very familiar with, such as your commute to work or to a friend's house, and see what the sites recommend. Try out various functions, look at the satellite maps, view the construction or traffic obstruction overlays, look up gas prices at the corner gas station or search for restaurants on your way. Soon you will see which street maps you prefer. The Google Map site is considered the best mapping solution available on the web, although it is barely surpassing reigning king MapQuest. Advocates for Google say the design functions make it easy for users to follow. For example, you are immediately prompted with an "Address" search box, and then you simply click the "Get Directions" button to get driving instructions from one location to another. Right on the map, you then have the option to quickly alternate between views of the street map, the traffic map, the satellite map or, in some cases, a 360-degree street view. Google cuts out wasteful turns and delivers direct routes; not to mention the satellite maps are the best, hands down. The "Street View" feature still needs some work but those who use it say it is a great way to choose a new neighborhood to live in or get a handle on the traffic situation. Despite coming in third, following MapQuest and Google, Yahoo Maps still holds its own. While Yahoo's homepage remains cluttered, their mapping site is very similar to Google's, with simple menu options. With two search boxes, your clicks are minimal and getting driving directions is a cinch. Most of your routes will be the same as your Google Map selections. The web reviews, rating systems and partnerships Yahoo has forged with other sites like Yelp make it a nice resource for consumer research and local information. Yahoo traffic and construction data is pretty good as well, although their search function could use some work, as it turns up random results and too many paid listings compared to its competitors. Currently, developers of driving direction sites are looking at ways they can blend the mapping function with their other endeavors. For instance, with "My Tracks," you can create a map of your walking/jogging/biking route, using your cell phone as a GPS device, and save your route to Google Docs. You can also access Google Maps through your Gmail email account window. You can use the Google search engine within the Google Map page to find local businesses as well. These innovations distinguish the winners from the losers. A free gift awaits you at our portal site, where you can enrich your knowledge further about driving maps. Your comment is much appreciated at our printable world map/a> blog.
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driving, satellite maps, street maps, Google Map, MapQuest, local information, mapping, map of, find local,
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