I realize I am probably dating myself just a little… but web based map services like G-Maps or MapQuest just astonish me. Whoever found out how to map any block on the planet in 5 seconds has got to be rich… if not they should be.

Take a look at maps.google.com. Although they got into the map business just a few years ago, they are now the 1,000 lb gorilla when it comes to maps and driving directions.

I have been using G-Maps for a quite awhile. Their technology constantly advance, and alongside with it, the detail of the maps has improved substantially. There are other key web properties that employ geo mapping with great success as well. The big 3 are Google, MapQuest and the granddaddy of them all, Rand McNally.

I will do a quick overview of these three, which with any luck will save you some exploration time when you get to the websites.

I switched to G-Maps after using MapQuest for almost nine years (more about MapQuest below). What changed my loyalty after all those years, was studying the instructions at G-Maps. You know, when all else fails read the instruction?

It is an astonishing bit of technology which will present you with both maps nearly anywhere in the world and detailed driving instructions in many countries.

G-maps is very feature rich and their tutorial does a way better job of teaching than we can. With that in mind, let’s cover the main features, you will find plenty more when you delve into the site.

You can see earth satellite images all over the world and superimpose streets on those satellite images, it’s very cool. All the major map categories are available to view.

You can see people wandering around Marienplatz in Munich or read the home plate logo at Coors field in Denver. In many parts of the world, you can also get point to point driving directions.

Another unique tool of G-Maps is that it lets you to amend the route it has laid out for you, simply by dragging the route marking to a different place. We often know alternate routes, learned by experience that we want to stick to. All other services won’t let you change the path… with G-Maps it’s easy.

Rand McNally has been making maps and road atlases for a long time. Word has it that Fred Flintstone used their atlas. They still favor the printed map or atlas and publish a lot of them. Next time you stop at a large fuel stop check by the register, it’s a safe bet you’ll find Rand McNally maps for sale. Now, having said that, they have outstanding e-maps and driving directions. I find them very effective for comparing routes with Google or MapQuest as a double check kind of thing.

MapQuest has been around since the good old days of the internet… 1996… so by e-standards, it’s very old if not antique. AOL bought it in 2000 and remains in charge.

I have used Mapquest plenty of times and they always deliver. They have great maps for the US, Canada and Europe but are weaker in the rest of the world in their quality and detail. US driving directions are totally detailed and usually quite accurate. In some growth areas they can be a little behind, simply because of trying to stay current with new growth can be difficult.

The last key goodie on MapQuest, is that it will search for the least expensive gas or diesel no matter where you are in the US. It’s a great way to keep an eye on your fuel budget and it only takes 30 seconds.

Between the three of these websites, you should be able to find your way around anywhere on the planet.