Comparison: MapQuest vs Google Maps
Although I still have a file folder with paper maps, these days I find it much quicker to use either MapQuest or Google Maps to find an address or directions somewhere. I've used MapQuest for years, but the new Google Maps (which is still in Beta) gives it a run for the money. I decided to do a comparison of each for my own use.
My typical use of online maps is finding out the directions and location of somewhere that I plan to go. This comparison may not produce the same results for an American tester as for myself (a Canadian), since both MapQuest and Google Maps default to US maps. For this test I will simply locate the municipal government building at 453 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Y 1V4. Since I am familiar with the area, all I want is a view of approximately 3 to 5 blocks surrounding the location. And since I want to minimize the typing, I'll just provide "453 west 12th ave vancouver bc" as my search criteria. This is very typical of the my use of these sites. I will also record the number of actual key and mouse clicks along the way, as shown by a number like this [1], which will be tallied at the end. The address itself counts as [30].
MapQuest
The one thing I've always disliked about the MapQuest site is that it has an address input form that assumes an American address. In order to input a Canadian address, I have to click on Maps [1], search through a list of countries to get Canada [5], enter the address, city and province [30] in separate boxes [4], which means that you can't easily cut and paste a single address line. The map that appears is about 12 square blocks, so to zoom in requires one more click [1]. MapQuest has historically been a very slow site, although recently the map pages load much quicker than they used to. Total clicks: 41.
Google Maps Beta
As a Canadian, I am immediately impressed that Google Maps defaults to a North American map. Unlike MapQuest, Google gives you a simple search field where you can enter any search criteria, such as our test address [30]. Hitting the search button [1] immediately brings me to a 20 square block radius. A couple more clicks [2] on the zoom button brings me to the desired view. Total clicks: 33.
Other Criteria
A long-standing complaint I've had about MapQuest's map size is that it is only about a quarter of the screen in size, an area of about 164,000 pixels. Google made theirs considerably larger at about 283,000 pixels, or over 40% larger. This is important when you need to print out the map for readability on the road.
If you want to move the map view over to the right a few blocks, you can double-click on either map to move your view. Google takes less than 1 second, while MapQuest, even after improving their site speed, still takes about 4 seconds.
When evaluating the readability of the maps, take a look at each sample result from Google and MapQuest. MapQuest frequently fails to show street names, although in this view Google has some names just out of view. Google again comes out on top.
And the Winner is . . .
Google Maps Beta comes out on top. It takes fewer clicks to get to where you want to go, the maps load instantly, the map is large and easily readable. MapQuest has fallen behind in ease of use, and Google has taken advantage of that. Looks like I'll be using Google Maps Beta from now on!
QUICK DEFINITION OF BETA - in software development, a "beta version" of a product is one that is still in development but is published for testing purposes.
My typical use of online maps is finding out the directions and location of somewhere that I plan to go. This comparison may not produce the same results for an American tester as for myself (a Canadian), since both MapQuest and Google Maps default to US maps. For this test I will simply locate the municipal government building at 453 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Y 1V4. Since I am familiar with the area, all I want is a view of approximately 3 to 5 blocks surrounding the location. And since I want to minimize the typing, I'll just provide "453 west 12th ave vancouver bc" as my search criteria. This is very typical of the my use of these sites. I will also record the number of actual key and mouse clicks along the way, as shown by a number like this [1], which will be tallied at the end. The address itself counts as [30].
MapQuest
The one thing I've always disliked about the MapQuest site is that it has an address input form that assumes an American address. In order to input a Canadian address, I have to click on Maps [1], search through a list of countries to get Canada [5], enter the address, city and province [30] in separate boxes [4], which means that you can't easily cut and paste a single address line. The map that appears is about 12 square blocks, so to zoom in requires one more click [1]. MapQuest has historically been a very slow site, although recently the map pages load much quicker than they used to. Total clicks: 41.
Google Maps Beta
As a Canadian, I am immediately impressed that Google Maps defaults to a North American map. Unlike MapQuest, Google gives you a simple search field where you can enter any search criteria, such as our test address [30]. Hitting the search button [1] immediately brings me to a 20 square block radius. A couple more clicks [2] on the zoom button brings me to the desired view. Total clicks: 33.
Other Criteria
A long-standing complaint I've had about MapQuest's map size is that it is only about a quarter of the screen in size, an area of about 164,000 pixels. Google made theirs considerably larger at about 283,000 pixels, or over 40% larger. This is important when you need to print out the map for readability on the road.
If you want to move the map view over to the right a few blocks, you can double-click on either map to move your view. Google takes less than 1 second, while MapQuest, even after improving their site speed, still takes about 4 seconds.
When evaluating the readability of the maps, take a look at each sample result from Google and MapQuest. MapQuest frequently fails to show street names, although in this view Google has some names just out of view. Google again comes out on top.
And the Winner is . . .
Google Maps Beta comes out on top. It takes fewer clicks to get to where you want to go, the maps load instantly, the map is large and easily readable. MapQuest has fallen behind in ease of use, and Google has taken advantage of that. Looks like I'll be using Google Maps Beta from now on!
posted by Peter at
10:34 PM
2 Comments:
Did you see the new Satellite View on Google maps, and did you use the maps.google.ca to focus the first view on Canada?
By
George Smith, at 7:53 PM
George, the new satellite view is quick! Very impressive.
When I first tried maps.google.ca it sent me back to maps.google.com, so perhaps the Canadian one wasn't ready at that time. It appears that the Canadian one is now working, thanks for the tips!
By
Peter, at 10:19 PM
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