Google Maps Edge Out MapQuest
It finally happened and maybe this time it will last–according to a Search Engine Land blog post from this weekend, Google Maps beats out MapQuest to become the top mapping site. An upcoming comScore report regarding January 2009 traffic data will show that Google Maps received 42.2 million unique visitors, while MapQuest fell slightly behind at 41.5 million.
I am surprised it took this long for Google Maps to pull ahead. I remember when MapQuest was the go-to mapping site, but it hasn’t been that way in years. Not only is Google more convenient, I belive that it’s simpler and more user friendly. And Google Maps incorporates other beneficial elements, like hours of operation, business description, photos and coupons, directly in the local map listing. Additionally, business info and directions are given in Google’s trademark bare-bones layout. It’s so easy to understand and find exactly what you are looking for.
What do you think? Does Google Maps deserve to be the top mapping site or would you like to see MapQuest reclaim its throne.
~Angie
on February 16th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Interesting take by Search Engine Land, according to a post from Hitwise dated February 11th this is not the case. Click link to read Hitwise feedback:
http://weblogs.hitwise.com/us-heather-hopkins/2009/02/google_maps_edges_closer_to_ma_1.html
on February 16th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
That is interesting. I guess we will have to wait until comScore officially releases the report to get to the bottom of this.
on February 16th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I like Google Maps, and I really like the new public transit feature: http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/transit/#mdy.
This is also available in the regular Google Maps page under the Get Directions pull-down menu. It works well for a small city like Denver but I’ve heard it’s not accurate for NYC, for example.