How to Find and Use Online Maps

Overview:

Online maps are one of the most useful tools on the Internet today. As competition increases, the Internet's power players (Yahoo, Google, MapQuest, Microsoft) have been steadily upgrading their map sites, hoping to draw more users. The sites now have more useful features and options, though some have so many choices that they require some practice to learn to use. In this class we will learn how to use online maps and some of the new features. Here's a short list of online map capabilities:


  • Enter a "from" address and a "to" address and pull up a road map and detailed directions from one place to another.                                                                         
  • Choice of the shortest route to your destination or the fastest route.                               
  • Enter an address or an intersection and a category of business (say "pizza", "hotels", "ATM's") and be given a map showing all of the businesses in that category in the surrounding area.                                                                                        
  • Save an address as your permenent starting address.                                                     
  • Show current traffic conditions along your route from a map showing accidents and construction on streets in the surrounding area.                                                         
  • Display maps in either graphic form or satellite view or a combination of both.                                                                                                                                                             
  • Save maps to your PC or hand held electronic device.                                                         
  • Access online maps from your wireless Web Phone.

Topics Covered:

The tutorial concentrates on the MapQuest Map Site. The following is a list of other map sites which may have additional features and may better suite your needs.  You are encouraged to try them all.


  1. MapQuest Maps - http://www.mapquest.com

  2. Google Maps - http://www.google.com/maphp

  3. Yahoo Maps - http://maps.yahoo.com

     4. Windows Live Update - http://local.live.com/

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