MapQuest Updates Its Maps - But is it Too Late?
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.
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I think it has been "too late" for a number of years. Google owns this space.
Posted by: Brian Sullivan
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October 29, 2009 11:13 AM
Are they still around?
Posted by: Alex Scrivener
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October 29, 2009 11:14 AM
they sure are - and they were still ahead of Google until just a few months
Posted by: Frederic
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October 29, 2009 11:14 AM
I prefer Bing maps
looks good
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??
"Google Maps is the best! True That! Double True!"
Well, Google Maps still doesn't include county and parish lines, whereas Mapquest does.
Google Maps is da bomb!
Mapquest is doing good things but this new googlemaps will destroy it.
I dont care about this since I use BING MAPS...
I look forward for BING 2.0
watch out everyone....
mapquest seems to be going downhill FAST. Personally, I haven't used it in forever.
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.
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.
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.)
I am personally very appreciative of Google maps. I can get lost in my own backyard!