Is it Better to Use Google Or MapQuest For Driving Directions?

By Jennifer Trembleau

Getting directions from one place to another has become much easier in the last few years. Gone are the days of having to dig out an outdated paper map and attempt to find an approximate location somewhere between two city blocks. Now you can simply type in a starting address and end point on your favorite navigation assistance website and get detailed instructions free of charge to almost any location on the planet. When most people think of driving directions these days, either Google Maps or MapQuest.com comes to mind. Both websites offer a user friendly interface that can quickly help you find your way to your next destination.

Which service is better? Finding the answer to this question requires a quick comparison of MapQuest.com and Google Maps. While both services may seem very similar in function on the surface, they are actually quite different. In a side by side comparison, Google Maps seems to come out ahead when you dig below the root function and examine some of the more advanced features. It is true that both sites will provide you with turn by turn instructions, distance estimates, and an approximate travel time; the similarities end there for the most part. Google stands out on a number of levels with one of the more useful features being visual images of your destination and points along the way. Not only can you see landmarks and nearby businesses, you can actually zoom in on certain key locations all the way down to street level as if you were actually standing there!

This can be helpful to recognize when you are approaching turns or exits and provides a major advantage over a standard map like the ones you will find with MapQuest.com. Another feature most users will greatly appreciate is the ability to get real time traffic flow data so can get a realistic estimate of travel time based on actual conditions and not just the distance being travelled. This can save a lot of time if you know you need to search for an alternate route before you ever leave the house. One final feature that bears mentioning is the terrain map overlays that allow the user to get actual satellite images of the surrounding areas. This can be a great feature if you are planning an outdoor vacation that involves a trip to the lake or mountains as it gives you the ability to find points of interest long before you arrive at your destination.

At the end of the day, both MapQuest.com and Google driving directions will give you the ability to find your way from point A to point B without having to worry about getting lost. If your goal is to elevate your experience and unlock more than just driving directions, you will find that Google Maps provides you with a whole host of additional free tools that will allow you to plan better and obtain a well-rounded knowledge base of your route and destination. Ultimately, the decision on which website to use for your driving directions should come down to which features are best suited to your personal situation. If basic maps and simplicity appeal to you, MapQuest.com should serve you well. If you want something with a little more technology behind it, take the time to explore what Google Maps has to offer. The depth and sophistication of their mapping tools are second to none and can actually make navigation fun!

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