Driving directions from web can be an adventure

Date: Monday, 27. August 2007

Maps and driving directions are freely available on the Web right now, but there's problems, and the old-time map makers are still in the game. "Locating Point A and Point B is usually not the issue" says a report in the New York times. "The problems arise when the software fails to choose the best route between them--or, more vexing, neglects to label a crucial street--possibly sending a driver on a three-hour journey that could have taken 30 minutes."

The online mapmakers are learning from their mistakes, but they still have problems with details of back roads and minor urban streets. Also, the services do not take rush hour into account, or construction and other traffic congesting problems. Online map makers' efforts to get the public to provide them with feedback haven't worked too well. Hardly anyone responds.

However, the traditional map business is not dying, according to the AAA, and traditional map makers like Rand Mcnally are still doing well. Read the New York Times article