June 29th, 2007
Google Maps Add Re-routeable Directions
By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews
Finally … no, I don’t mean finally a non-iPhone story. I mean finally an online mapping service that allows you to drag-and-drop to re-route your directions, in case you know there’s a roadblock due to construction, or perhaps you know a shortcut and want to map it out and print it for a friend. Google Maps has just added this feature.
It might not sound like much given its dead simple interface, but the results are jaw-dropping — and very useful. Not only does this make plotting multi-stop trips and custom routes much easier, when coupled with the “traffic” maps it can help users find faster, less congested routes.
And these features work in nearly all areas and handle things like ferries, bridges, toll roads and other elements seamlessly. Source: Wired News
We Say: It’s cool, but when I tried to get it to understand my shortcut to get from work to home, it became hopelessly lost and gave me a maze-like set of directions. Still not fully there … well, at least for me … but still pretty useful, especially in congested urban areas.
Another Mike says:
I’ve been clamoring for this ever since it came out. Yay! We all know that if we live in the area we can provide better routes like what streets to take and others to avoid. But add in traffic reporting and you got yourself an indispensable tool.
And because you can save maps (although local.live.com’s implementation is a bit better) this just blows my socks off.
June 29th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Erik says:
I said “Finally” out loud when I read this. Allowing users to select and change routes is a really superb feature, especially knowing how snarled up the roads out here get!
Now if someone will do a traffic mashup with this, we can have live “Best Routes”.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:27 pm