Mapquest is a renowned map publishing company. Maps of Mapquest are available on line for free. The company was established in 1967. This organization was previously, a branch of R.R. Donnelley & Sons in Chicago, Illinois.
Mapquest initially rendered cartographic services to R.R. Donnelley & Sons. However, in 1994 , it emerged as a self – governed company. It was then known as GeoSystems Global Corporation. In 2000 Mapquest was taken over by America Online, Inc.Map.
Today, Mapquest is a Web mapping service that is owned by AOL. Mapquest of AOL, is a website that specializes in the service of satellite imagery in a new beta program.
With the passage of time Mapquest has introduced many new features in order to make the website more informative.
Features of Mapquest
In 2004, Mapquest in association with uLocate, Nextel and Research in Motion came up with ‘Mapquest Find Me’, which is a friend-finder service. It was initially available only on GPS-enabled mobile phones. Mapquest Find Me users can easily find their access maps, location and directions. These users can comfortably find out landmarks and the nearby points of interests like banks, airports, restaurants, ATMs and hotels. This service has a provision for setting up alerts and it notifies when a network member is arriving or departing from the deputed area.
In July 2006, MapQuest produced a beta version of a new feature, which is called the “Build Your Route”. Here, the users have the liberty to modify their routes, add additional stops along the way and above all to avoid any turns on the road.
In April 2007, MapQuest and General Motors’ OnStar became partners in order to provide the OnStar subscribers to plan their driving in an unknown place. Both these organizations are looking forward to make this venture, a huge success.