MapQuest is now awesome!
When I saw that MapQuest had just undergone a makeover and new identity, I was shocked, having previously assumed that they would eventually fade into oblivion since Google has dominated mapping for some time now. Mapping is one of the major cornerstones of real estate search, so any advancements in this industry will have a clear cut impact on real estate.
With this new redesign and user experience, could developers begin using MQ over Google? Time will tell, but for now, let’s check out what has changed on the new MapQuest…
According to MapQuest’s announcement today, the new experience includes:
- One-box search for finding directions, maps and businesses
- Enhanced My Maps with a simplified login process using existing services (AOL, OpenID, Yahoo, Google, Facebook and Twitter)
- The ability to easily save and customize information, including My Maps trip itineraries, and share it with friends via social networks
- Ways to plan and personalize travel with notes, anecdotes, landmarks and short cuts; and
Integration of Patch’s directory information into MapQuest’s search results (e.g. restaurants, stores, government offices, local services, parks and schools)
If you’re not into reading or words, just look at this:
Click here for an example of a map I made in the new MQ.
Click any image below to enlarge:
If you hate words AND pictures, just watch this video:
Click the image below to start the video.
Stephanie Crawford
July 1, 2010 at 3:52 am
I find that the search isn’t quite as intuitive. I still had to put in the city even though the map defaulted to my location. Also I couldn’t put in “123 Rosedale Ave to 123 Rosebank Ct.” which is something I could have done on GoogleMaps. It was fast though…
Matt Thomson
July 1, 2010 at 10:01 am
I didn’t actually try it out, just watched the video, but sure looks like it doesn’t suck anymore!
Jessica Feaster
July 1, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Hi Lani,
Thanks for the great comments about the new MapQuest site (new.mapquest.com)!! I also wanted to point out a few other MapQuest tools that are extremely helpful, especially for realtors. They’re both free too. 🙂
MapQuest Route Planner (mapquest.com/routeplanner) – You can enter in up to 25 stops and it will automatically reorder your stops based on shortest distance or shortest time. Obviously a huge help when you have a lot of showings in one day.
MapQuest 4 Mobile app – available on iPhone and Blackberry. The iPhone version offers free voice guidance so it’s a huge help for anyone that’s on the road a lot.
Hopefully those are helpful. Thanks again for the kudos on the new site!
Aaron Charlton
July 7, 2010 at 12:29 pm
That route planner is pretty great! Thanks for the recommendation!
Jason Improta - Calabasas Homes for Sale
July 1, 2010 at 3:03 pm
That’s cool. I wasn’t even aware but can’t wait to try it!
Colleen
July 3, 2010 at 3:42 am
I knew that but wasn’t telling anyone! [grins] Bing is also challenging Google for map space.
Marcia Casacca
July 3, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Finally, a route planner. Was wondering when someone would do that. It’s especially helpful when you are conquering an area you are not familar with or have never been to the area before. Will save lots of scheduling time.
Bradley Pounds, Austin TX Homes For Sale
July 5, 2010 at 9:43 am
Not to mention that the maps are just plain better in most cases. I had a listing appointment in a subdivision in Bastrop and got profoundly lost because Google Maps didn’t think the street existed. And yes, Route Planner is grrrreat.
disappointed former user
August 26, 2010 at 3:29 pm
I actually used to love the OLD mapquest, found its functionality much better (for some purposes) than google maps, BECAUSE of the separate boxes. The “one box” TOTALLY SUCKS. It keeps truncating the postal code, and therefore locating the address in the WRONG TOWN. Before, if it found multiple locations with the same street number / name, it would let you chose. Where the hell did that feature go??? Since “new mapquest” showed up, I have not successfully found the right address…