Mapquest
Mapquest is one of the oldest mapping tools on the internet, or at least most widely used. Mapquest is a good website, but it does lack some of the better features of its competitors such as aerial photography.

Google Maps
Google Maps is a very good tool for mapping on the internet. Google maps allows the user to 'pan' on the map. Google Maps also offers aerial photography overlaying the map.

Google Earth
Google Earth uses the same data as Google Maps. The main difference with Google Earth is that it is a standalone application. There is also the ability to zoom into any location on earth, literally. The picture quality is not perfect, but does allow the user to overlay the roads. Google Earth also allows for topography and supports buildings for larger cities.

Map24.com
Map24.com is a simple to use website for mapping directions. The website is clean, easy to use, supports all features of it competitors except aerial photography.

	Mapquest	Google Maps	Google Earth	Map24.com
Address Finder	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Stand Alone Application	No	No	Yes	No
Points of Interest	No	No	Yes	No
3D Views	No	No	Yes	Yes
Aerial Photography	No	Yes	Yes	No
Points of interest (on map)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ability to save as a link	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Summary

All of the sites have good features, but 2 services Map24.com and Google Maps have excellent interfaces and results. I have talked to many people who used Mapquest and have been given directions to exits that do no exist, or directions down the wrong way on one way streets.

For all my own mapping, I use Map24.com, because of its clean and easy to use interface.

January 16, 2006