Mapquest endeavors to ‘out-open’ Google
This week AOL subsidiary MapQuest is launching U.S. online maps edited by the people, for the people. A separate website allows users to chime in with corrections and additions to MapQuest’s U.S. maps and label previously unmarked destinations like specific rides at Disneyland or swing sets at their neighborhood parks. The current version of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) has been created by GPS data uploaded by thousands of users along with government data.
The open-source mapping site lets users report errors, or they can register to be map contributors to suggest and make changes themselves. Maps at http://open.mapquest.com update every 15 minutes, and directions to newly marked spots are available within 24 hours. MapQuest says rogue editors would be policed by the community. The site tells users OpenStreetMap is about becoming a part of a community and contributing to a good cause. The maps can later be used to foster creative and unexpected uses of OSM, or even be uploaded to a user’s GPS for free.
MapQuest claims about a 45 percent market share in online mapping, making it the No. 2 player behind Google. Currently, Google Inc.’s Map Maker lets “citizen cartographers” sign in to draw and edit maps in more than 150 countries and territories, particularly in the developing world, but it has not yet launched those capabilities for the U.S. Community suggestions eventually can make their way onto Google Maps. Everyday users of Google Maps also can report errors. It can sometimes take about a month for Google to vet suggestions.
MapQuest’s OSM site is also more advanced outside the U.S. The company is hoping to re-establish its relationship in the developer community, allow new applications to be built and attract the best engineers to the company at a time when Facebook, Google and Microsoft Corp. are all going after top talent, Dwyer said.
Add your Comment
[LOGIN FIRST] if you're already a member.fields are required.