PC World has just completed a review of the three major online mapping platforms: Google, Bing and MapQuest. The review takes a look at the interface and usability issues, the clarity of communication, the accuracy of directions, traffic information, alternative transit options, and street viewing.
The overall winner according to PC World is Google, and they say that Bing is gaining ground, although they indicate MapQuest is showing its age. There’s no mention of MapQuest’s work with OpenStreetMap here, although that’s a development that will likely benefit both entities.
Overall, I’d give the review of these sites a 6 out of 10 as it seems a bit skewed toward the features that Google has pioneered. Interestingly, there’s no discussion of 3D data, and only a minor side note about the points of interest information that will drive revenue to these platforms. There’s also no mention of the capabilities to mash these baseline services with other data sets to create custom applications, which is also increasingly of interest as an underlying purpose of these tools.
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