What can you use the application for?
Mapquest, an online mapping service provider that is credited with offerening a range of advanced features that attempt to make viewing and using maps on the web an interactive and useful exercise. This website is one of the oldest serving websites in the market. Some of the most popular services include: comprehensive mapping solutions, destination information and driving directions to users. It also provides objective information to business personnel relating to distant locations, thereby assisting them in their search of potential markets. The site provides satellite maps and aerial photos, business directory, directions and so on. A vital feature of this site is MapQuest Wireless which benefits users by providing them with MapQuest maps in conjunction with directions on their mobile phones. Clients can connect with MapQuest in different ways like "Sent to Cell", "Sent to GPS", "Sent to OnStar" suiting his/her needs. One can obtain driving directions on the phone by applying MapQuest Navigator 5.0. Searching locations based on a certain category like computers, arts and entertainment, health and medicine, sports, and travel is also possible. Recently added feature is Gas Calculator facilitating users to get familiarized with total cost of the trip concerning the fuel.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
MapQuest originated in 1967 in Chicago as Cartographic services. Then it marched towards Lancaster in 1969. After becoming an independent company in 1994, it was named GeoSystems Global Corporation. In 1999, company was again renamed as MapQuest. America Online took over of this company in 2000. MapQuest is displaying over 150 million maps and driving directions through its personal and third party websites monthly. Visitors count reflects an upward trend in preference towards this site.
What are the differences to other applications?
Mapquest carries almost all the features that a mapping site should carry. However, it does not have many unique features to boast of. One feature that stands out is the facility to find out the cheapest gas prices in a particular location. Its mapping services on GPS enabled wireless phones can also be considered very useful for the user while driving. These features manage to lend some distinctiveness to the site.
How does the application look and feel to use?
Mapquest has interactive features which clearly convey the user friendliness of the site. The logos of this website are very informative and eye catching, which also serve as navigation tools for the benefit of the user. It makes it users aware of all the routes and comes across as a handy tool for them to travel to any place without any difficulty. However, the homepage looks no different from many other websites on the net. It appears slightly overcrowded.
How does the registration process work?
It is not necessary to register with MapQuest to get the benefit of its general services. However, some of the specialized services (e.g. MapQuest API) needs account based login. There is not any prescribed registration procedure to become a member of MapQuest. Anyone can make use of it by just going to the site without having to follow any complex procedure for signing up.
What does it cost to use the application?
MapQuest provides free online services. But MapQuest mobile is not a free utility. It will add a minimal cost to one's phone bill. Downloading MapQuest toolbar is also a free service which serves as a shortcut to various services. General services are free.
Who would you recommend the application to?
MapQuest is far ahead of its competitors in terms of users visited. Services delivered by this site are competent. It can be utilized for commercial, personal or any other purposes for simplifying the task of searching any location.
