Browser Battle

[Gregg]

Yesterday I was using Firefox and wanted to map out a route. Mapquest displayed the route directions, but no map. I opened Safari and requested the same starting/ending points and Safari displayed the map (and the directions).

Firefox did pop up a suggestion to turn Javascript on. It already was on. Bummer!

[Xairbusdriver]

Use Google Maps, they're also better. And you can even get a walking map, even if it is some a coast-to-coast trip!!! And the "Street View" is especially helpful for actually seeing the place you are to visit (assuming the view is available, best for businesses, of course). it gives you a 360° view of the area, not just the address you may have requested. They are now even available on the iPhone!

[jcarter]

I gave up on Mapquest too, Google maps are 100% better.
Mapquest will lose out if they dont get their train back on the track.
Jane

[Gregg]

Ok, ok! I tried it. Two things I don't like at first glance:

1. The directions and map are side-by-side, thus limiting the width of the map

2. Clicking on the map does not make that point the center of the view (as on Mapquest). Instead, I have to putz around with the directional arrows - Unless I missed something in my haste, but that's never happened before.
(Like using the hand tool to drag in any direction, maybe?)

[Xairbusdriver]

?? You can see or not see the text directions. Although it seems easier to read text that follow a rather small map...assuming one is driving alone.

?? To move the map, I think all you have to do is click, hold and drag. Double-clicking any spot on the map will zoom in to that spot (centered, of course).

BTW, when printing a map, you can select which turn points you want displayed with a map, what shows on the map (move it around, if it doesn't show enough detail, change the scale on just that map, etc.) and include "terrain" or not.

But it's nice to have a choice, isn't. I just got tired of hearing my wife complain about MapQuest giving bogus locations and especially directions, so I had her try Google. We both use it now. I especially like being able to move any pointy on the displayed route to a different place and have the route and info recomputed. Sometimes the fasted, most direct route is not always the one you want.

[Gregg]

I see both,

the directions for the entire route on the left, the map of the entire route on the right. I'd rather see a larger map, made possible by placing it above or below the directions. And before anyone thinks zooming in or out takes care of that objection, that doesn't cut it if the map window doesn't get bigger.

Personally, I don't think the turn-by-turn maps would be that useful, especially if I'm navigating and driving. I want to see the context.