Can developers help MapQuest regain its luster? Trailing Google Maps, Mapquest is courting developers by rebuilding its Developer Network and introducing two products to make developing applications off of the map platform easier. The Developer Network is a resource for developers to learn about and work with MapQuest’s APIs and SDKs.
The updated network includes simple documentation of SDKs letting developers view instructions, samples and source code at a glance. MapQuest has also added a consolidated application management tool that lets developers find all information about a particular app in a centralized place. And the UI of the network has gotten a makeover, with information about products and technology organized more efficiently.
Directions Web Service frees developers from using a language-specific SDK for directions data, giving programmers more flexibility in developing applications with basic and advanced routing, route matrix, and draggable routes. MapQuest’s new Long URL service tries to resolve a longstanding issue with Internet Explorer and long GET requests. IE has a 2048 character limit, which is problematic for long requests. The new URL service allows for GET requests to be broken up into chunks, and MapQuest provides a single response.
MapQuest is seeking to engage the developer community more deeply as the company battles with Google for web and mobile map domination. According to Hitwise, Google Maps passed MapQuest in visits earlier this year. ComScore shows that Google Maps surpassed Mapquest last January, and by August, 2009, Google Maps had 51.3 million unique visitors, compared to 42.2 million for MapQuest.
One of the smartest things Google ever did was giving away Google Maps and opening up the API for mash ups.
Seriously… and for some reason it didn’t catch on at other places…
These guys cannot see Google disappointing people. Its truly amazing
Mapquest?? I did not know it was still around… How is that AOL still alive??
Next AOL will me Myspace.com
Well I just tried it for some locations in Melbourne, Australia where I live. Not sure if it’s the same for USA places, but usability seems no where near as good as Google Maps. Took me a few minutes to even change to Australia even though it showed my default location as Melbourne. Hopeless.
Google Maps wins by a mile.
Yeah, I live in Ohio and Mapquest always seems to mess up my directions. It can’t find my house. It can’t find businesses if I type in the company and the city. It fails to function without zip codes.
Whenever someone says, “Alright, I’ll find you on Mapquest” I stop them . I say, “Try Google Maps.”
A couple years ago, everything that I was in contact with was done with MapQuest. Ticket sales, locations, directions, etc.
Now google dominates all. Every website uses google map for direction.
I haven’t heard of MapQuest in so long. I so sure that either MSN of Google bought it. Didn’t realize that it was still around and kicking.
With the way google maps is behaving you never know if mapquest might actually catch up again …. last weekend I did end up searching on other map sites for the reason stated below..
Don’t know why nobody has reported this – but lately google maps has not been displaying the state parks (other things?) properly .. Being from NY – I know Adirondack and Catskill didn’t shrink in one day! – look for the green patches – they have gone missing!!