Finding Starbucks: Google Maps v. Live Search
I'm not sure where our Thomas Brothers map book is. It might be under the seat in the Sienna, or in the front seat pocket. Of course, I wouldn't be without one, but it's getting much less use these days since I typically use a web mapping site for directions to agility trials or dog shows.
It's easy to get in a rut, using the same old site just because you always have. For example, I typically use Yahoo Maps and Google Maps. I often try both, because their directions do often differ. I've NEVER used Microsoft Live Search, which was the highest rated mapping site by Steven Bass in a PC Magazine article, "Kings of the Road. (Oct. 2007) So I thought I'd take a look. Hmm, it does have a nice clean look to it. Type in an address, and you can browse lists of hotels, banks, restaurants, etc.
I decided to try a real life test. I often go to agility trials at Woodley Park. Assuming that I want to stop for Starbucks, and that's a fairly good assumption, where are the Starbucks near Woodley Park?
I struggled with this on Live Search. It couldn't find Woodley Park, so I zoomed in and used a push pin to designate the area, but I couldn't figure out how to find Starbucks in the area of the push pin.
Google Maps was a breeze. Google found Woodley Park without a problem. Then all I had to do was click on "Search Nearby" and type in "Starbucks" in the search box. Wow. The place is surrounded. A little detour down Burbank Blvd. should do the trick.
So Google Maps wins this round. Nonetheless, it's always good to use more than one mapping site, so I may give Live Search another chance.
It's easy to get in a rut, using the same old site just because you always have. For example, I typically use Yahoo Maps and Google Maps. I often try both, because their directions do often differ. I've NEVER used Microsoft Live Search, which was the highest rated mapping site by Steven Bass in a PC Magazine article, "Kings of the Road. (Oct. 2007) So I thought I'd take a look. Hmm, it does have a nice clean look to it. Type in an address, and you can browse lists of hotels, banks, restaurants, etc.
I decided to try a real life test. I often go to agility trials at Woodley Park. Assuming that I want to stop for Starbucks, and that's a fairly good assumption, where are the Starbucks near Woodley Park?
I struggled with this on Live Search. It couldn't find Woodley Park, so I zoomed in and used a push pin to designate the area, but I couldn't figure out how to find Starbucks in the area of the push pin.
Google Maps was a breeze. Google found Woodley Park without a problem. Then all I had to do was click on "Search Nearby" and type in "Starbucks" in the search box. Wow. The place is surrounded. A little detour down Burbank Blvd. should do the trick.
So Google Maps wins this round. Nonetheless, it's always good to use more than one mapping site, so I may give Live Search another chance.
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