Comments for MapQuest Updates Its Maps - But is it Too Late?

MapQuest Updates Its Maps - But is it Too Late?

2009-10-29T18:10:40Z

MapQuest continues to lose market share to Google Maps. While MapQuest started the year with a small lead, it's now 10% behind Google Maps. Today, MapQuest launched a few new features and a major update to its map design. MapQuest now features more readable maps, as well as enhanced terrain and vegetation data. The new maps also feature building footprints and main subway stops. It is unlikely, however, that these updates will be enough to fight back Google Maps' momentum.

]]> Over the last two weeks, Google rolled out remarkably similar updates. Google Maps, for example, now also sports a new look with more readable maps. Google also updated its maps with enhanced terrain and vegetation data earlier this month.

Trend for MapQuest: Down

Overall, this looks like a good update for MapQuest, but these updates are only minor and won't be enough to win back users who have abandoned the service. Our friends at Experian Hitwise were kind enough to provide us with fresh traffic data for Google Maps, MapQuest, Bing Maps and Yahoo Maps. While MapQuest managed to edge out a slight lead in February, Google Maps now owns 45% of the market, while MapQuest's market share has fallen to 35%. Yahoo Maps is now at 6.6% (down from 10.2% in February) and Bing Maps owns 4.3% of the market (up from 3.6%).

For many Internet users, MapQuest is still synonymous with online mapping, but this group is shrinking and Google's relentless pace of releasing updates and new features isn't likely to let up anytime soon.

Comment from Electronic Genius on 2010-11-15

2010-11-15T18:26:29Z

its doesnt look much different at all...well at least to me.

Comment from Mykalai Kontilai on 2010-10-19

2010-10-19T10:09:25Z

I used to use Mapquest, but kept getting wrong directions.I now use Google Maps and they have been right every time I used....

Comment from Pro Bono Lawyers In Clayton on 2010-10-18

2010-10-19T02:21:04Z

I think all these remarks are right on the money here. Its great to see everyone agree for the most part.

Comment from 2011 Camaro pictures on 2010-10-14

2010-10-14T23:11:35Z

Really think the responses here are interesting to read. I like the fact that there are so many takes on this topic.

Comment from HDTV antenna on 2010-10-14

2010-10-14T18:51:53Z

Some of these comments people are saying here on this issue really seem to make me look at this in a whole new way. I do enjoy the responses though.

Comment from Mykalai Kontilai on 2010-10-12

2010-10-12T10:44:36Z

Google has definitely taken its toll on mapquest. I remember when I used mapquest for everything now I don't even remember the last time I went to that site even..

Comment from amberen on 2010-10-08

2010-10-09T01:14:59Z

It's great to come across an article such as this one that has interesting comments. I will keep this in my lists to return to.

Comment from Nightly Business Report on 2010-09-27

2010-09-27T12:12:12Z

MapQuest is undoubtedly trying very hard and is doing it's best but google is still preferred by almost everyone!!!so all mapquest can do is "just keep on improving on its provisions for consumers" to tackle this menace efficiently!!!

Comment from Danny DeMichele on 2010-09-23

2010-09-23T14:15:50Z

I prefer Google Maps to use and they have been right every time.MapQuest got blown away when Google Maps came out with the "Drag the mouse around to pan around" feature.

Comment from Famous Quotes on 2010-09-23

2010-09-23T07:41:30Z

MapQuest launched a few new features and a major update to its map design. MapQuest now become more readable as well as enhanced terrain and vegetation data.I think mapquest's updating is late as compare to Google Maps..

Comment from Mykalai Kontilai on 2010-09-22

2010-09-22T13:15:59Z

Its very much clear that google has become a threat for mapquest ....so all mapquest can do is just toil,slog and work hard otherwise the consequence is only "failure"............

Comment from work from home opportunities on 2010-09-20

2010-09-20T08:53:45Z

MapQuest lists the correct new address but points everyone to the old location on the map. They have no facility on their site for client input. They evidently are content with being put out of business by competitors who are more competant and responsive.

Comment from Electronic Cigarette on 2010-09-17

2010-09-17T19:16:45Z

To be honest I believe Garmin is the best map ever but unfortunately it's not available for mobile phones anymore. Google maps own as of now, MapQuest? Maybe too late....

Comment from SEO Services on 2010-09-13

2010-09-13T09:46:17Z

Wow, I don't even remember the last time I used mapquest. It's all google maps for me coz i use it undoubtedlly.

Comment from Max Axler on 2010-09-11

2010-09-11T10:48:26Z

I can't stand using Google Maps. They always give wrong directions. Taking a longer way then needed. Trying to change the route only makes things worse. Google maps will then show a way that double or even triple backs you on roads that aren't even close to how to get somewhere. I'll stick with Mapquest and get where I need, instead of going in circles.

Comment from Thomas Austin on 2010-09-10

2010-09-10T11:39:23Z

The problem with MapQuest has always been puny maps that are optimized for what, a 640x480 laptop from 1992?Even the "large" map is puny, and what's with having only three discrete sizes anyway? Google Maps lets you make the thing as big as you want.The main problem with Google Maps is that the printing functionality is still broken after several years (which they admit); the printed area doesn't come close to matching what's on your screen, often leaving important parts of the map off your printout.

Comment from sell old cell phones on 2010-08-07

2010-08-07T07:16:56Z

Article is really interest to read and thanks to shareing information.Mapquest's website is clunky and illogical. A pan tool is a great example. And cartography before the recent update looks so 2001. Mapquest needs fresh ideas, and to come up with innovative enhancements and useful datasets. The bar has been raised. They let it go and Google scooped it right up. They may be able to get it back but it will cost $$$$$$ in hiring the best and advertising.

Comment from sell gold for cash on 2010-07-23

2010-07-23T11:03:15Z

Well I think mapquest's updating is late.As it clear from the graph that US weekly market share of visits among map sites is going down in comparison to Google.

Comment from wood shutters on 2010-07-21

2010-07-22T06:48:31Z

I have been using the official "report an error" mechanism since JULY 2007 (!) without even the courtesy of a reply. I've tried it as a resident, as a business owner, and even as a customer & visitor. I've printed out my submission before sending it, and FAXED it to MapQuest Sub-Headquarters in Lancaster, PA on three occasiona, or was it four.

Comment from Startup Consultant on 2010-07-14

2010-07-15T05:15:03Z

Perhaps they have not received enough resources to compete with their formidable competitor, Google. Mapquest's website is clunky and illogical. A pan tool is a great example. And cartography before the recent update looks so 2001. Mapquest needs fresh ideas, and to come up with innovative enhancements and useful datasets. The bar has been raised.

Comment from Online Reputation Management on 2010-07-12

2010-07-12T08:51:45Z

I used to use Mapquest, but kept getting wrong directions.I now use Google Maps and they have been right every time.

Comment from brisbane house painter on 2010-06-25

2010-06-25T07:56:07Z

And, not to be left out, it look at your hybrid imagery view and i see that you have improved the look of the roads while not obscuring the imagery

Comment from J hass Group on 2010-06-16

2010-06-17T05:48:51Z

Nice comparison..Google has definitely taken its toll on mapquest.I used to use Mapquest, but kept getting wrong directions.I now use Google Maps and they have been right every time.Mapquest seems to be going downhill FAST!!

Comment from GreenSmoke on 2010-06-16

2010-06-16T12:22:27Z

My life would end without mapquest - way bettern than google maps

Comment from Stephen on 2010-05-25

2010-05-25T17:48:11Z

MapQuest is unresponsive and user 'unfriendly' when you try to advise them of changes to existing maps, i.e. new streets, new housing, new buildings. St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Iowa City, IA, was 100 years old when an extremely strong tornado nearly leveled it in 2006. The parrish since moved several miles away and built a new structure. MapQuest lists the correct new address but points everyone to the old location on the map. They have no facility on their site for client input. They evidently are content with being put out of business by competitors who are more competant and responsive.

Comment from Electronic Cigarette on 2010-04-27

2010-04-28T01:36:44Z

Google has definitely taken its toll on mapquest. I remember when I used mapquest for everything now I don't even remember the last time I went to that site.

Comment from executive development training on 2010-04-12

2010-04-12T11:40:12Z

Wow, I don't even remember the last time I used mapquest. It's all google maps for me.

Comment from Shopalu on 2010-03-08

2010-03-08T19:19:51Z

Sorry, but just now updating your maps shouldn't make up for being outdated in the past.

Comment from electronic cigarette on 2010-01-06

2010-01-06T18:02:24Z

I am personally very appreciative of Google maps. I can get lost in my own backyard!

Comment from Orson Bevins on 2009-11-02

2009-11-02T23:17:36Z

Mapquest may be a victim of their status as subsidiary to AOL/Time Warner. Perhaps they have not received enough resources to compete with their formidable competitor, Google. Mapquest's website is clunky and illogical. A pan tool is a great example. And cartography before the recent update looks so 2001. Mapquest needs fresh ideas, and to come up with innovative enhancements and useful datasets. The bar has been raised. They let it go and Google scooped it right up. They may be able to get it back but it will cost $$$$$$ in hiring the best and advertising. They are most likely relegated to permanent 2nd or 3rd behind Bing Maps. The real story is Microsoft's decision to apply massive resources to it's Bing venture and collaborate with industry leaders (e.g. ESRI.)

Comment from vitamin b12 on 2009-11-02

2009-11-02T10:51:06Z

I used to use Mapquest, but kept getting wrong directions. I now use Google Maps and they have been right every time.MapQuest got blown away when Google Maps came out with the "Drag the mouse around to pan around" feature.

Comment from brian on 2009-11-01

2009-11-02T07:01:10Z

If anyone wants to find an address in Unincorporated DuPage County (just to the west of Chicago/cook county) then you better use mapquest. try address 27w500 North Avenue 60185 in google.
Yahoo has the major but not the houses/residential.
google has none.
So while I often use google for DuPage County I use MapQuest.

Comment from luxury car seat on 2009-11-01

2009-11-01T19:20:18Z

mapquest seems to be going downhill FAST. Personally, I haven't used it in forever.

Comment from James on 2009-10-31

2009-11-01T06:33:24Z

I dont care about this since I use BING MAPS...
I look forward for BING 2.0
watch out everyone....

Comment from electric cigarette on 2009-10-31

2009-10-31T15:16:57Z

Mapquest is doing good things but this new googlemaps will destroy it.

Comment from Oliver Mezquita on 2009-10-31

2009-10-31T14:39:04Z

Google Maps is da bomb!

Comment from DENelson83 on 2009-10-30

2009-10-31T06:47:09Z

Well, Google Maps still doesn't include county and parish lines, whereas Mapquest does.

Comment from Brad on 2009-10-30

2009-10-31T03:46:16Z

"Google Maps is the best! True That! Double True!"

Comment from Mandy on 2009-10-30

2009-10-31T02:00:21Z

For over two years I have been trying to get the folks at MapQuest to correct what we Pine Grove Mills, PA residents and businesses (and visitors) consider to be a big fat stupid error -- MapQuest does "show" where 208-year-old Pine Grove Mills, PA (16868) is, but whenever you punch in a PGM street address, intersection OR a business name, with or without using the zip code, MapQuest says it cannot be found, and reroutes you to Science Park Road in the western part of State College, PA -- about 3-4 miles away from reality, depending on what part of the village you were trying to reach. They place the "red star" marker wrong, wrong, wrong! I have been using the official "report an error" mechanism since JULY 2007 (!) without even the courtesy of a reply. I've tried it as a resident, as a business owner, and even as a customer & visitor. I've printed out my submission before sending it, and FAXED it to MapQuest Sub-Headquarters in Lancaster, PA on three occasiona, or was it four? Nothing. I've tried giving our Latitude & Longitude down to the sixth decimal numeral -- that's mighty fine-tuned. To no avail! We have to say right on our B&B website "Do NOT use MapQuest, use our interactive (correct!) Google Map". We tell every guest on the phone, and again in their confirmation notes...but some folks are stubborn and would rather believe this FORMER Mapping Giant, rather than people who have lived here since 1971 and been in business since 1985. I'm sorry if MapQuest is in trouble lately...but from my perspective, and that of our driving-around-State-College-in-the-dark-looking-for-something-not-there B&B guests, MapQuest has reaped what they have sown.

Are you listening now, MapQuest? Maybe you should have replied to one of my submissions, or refrained from putting my faxes in the infamous "circular file". Fewer Lattes at the Lancaster headquarters, and a little more respect for a fellow Pennsylvanian and former PSU Geography major. Shame on you! When a customer takes the time to try TWENTY TIMES to help you do your job, you'd better listen...I could've drawn you a map. Is it too late now??

Comment from Patrick Trainor on 2009-10-30

2009-10-30T16:29:12Z

looks good

Comment from david on 2009-10-29

2009-10-29T20:29:51Z

I prefer Bing maps

Comment from Frederic on 2009-10-29

2009-10-29T18:14:59Z

they sure are - and they were still ahead of Google until just a few months

Comment from Alex Scrivener on 2009-10-29

2009-10-29T18:14:14Z

Are they still around?

Comment from Brian Sullivan on 2009-10-29

2009-10-29T18:13:44Z

I think it has been "too late" for a number of years. Google owns this space.