MapQuest Continues Rollout of Open-source Mapping with Introduction of Eight More Country-specific Sites

  • Jan 19, 2011
  • Tagged: press

MapQuest Continues Rollout of Open-source Mapping with Introduction of Eight More Country-specific Sites

Online Mapping Solutions Provider Launches "Open" Sites in Scandinavia, the Pacific Rim and Western Europe

DENVER (January 19, 2011) – MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL), today announced the launch of eight new mapping sites built on open technology and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Over the past seven months, MapQuest has launched a total of 18 country- and language-specific "open" sites in nations around the world, illustrating the true global need and benefit of open-source maps.

These "living maps" are improved by consumers who can easily add content and details that make the map more timely, relevant and useful. The new sites include:
· Australia: open.mapquest.com.au (British English)
· Denmark: open.mapquest.dk (Danish)
· Ireland: open.mapquest.ie(British English)
· Mexico: open.mapquest.org.mx (American Latin Spanish)
· New Zealand: open.mapquest.co.nz(British English)
· Norway: open.mapquest.no (Norwegian)
· Singapore: open.mapquest.com.sg (British English)
· Sweden: open.mapquest.se (Swedish)

"For the last seven months, we have been very committed to building out country-specific sites based on OSM data. Moving forward, we will be focusing on how and where consumers are both using the maps and contributing to them," said Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager, MapQuest. "At MapQuest, it's not just about building quality products, it's about making them intuitive for different user experiences, cultures and needs."

Each of the open sites launched to date includes the new MapQuest brand and interface, as well as:
· Language selection
· Map tiles updated every 15 minutes
· Search updated every 5 minutes
· Driving directions updated daily
· Map Toolbar for easy searching on the map
· Send to Facebook, email or embed in website
· More sharing and send to options
· Draggable routes
· Right-click on map to identify nearest location

The simplified error-reporting tool allows anyone to submit a change-request regarding topical map augmentations such as a missing new development, a public bathroom or expanded parking options. Previously, error-reporting on the MapQuest open sites was a multi-step process that created a disconnect between those reporting errors and those enhancing a map. Now, contributors are curators of their communities on the map with easy-to-use tools seamlessly integrated and displayed immediately, making the process simple and accurate.
Much of the technology used to create and power these sites is freely available and can be found on the MapQuest Developer Network at http://developer.mapquest.com.

To get involved in the OSM movement, visit www.openstreetmap.org/ or send an e-mail to osm@mapquest.com.

About MapQuest
MapQuest provides Internet, mobile, and business solutions delivering on the promise of helping people research and discover: where is it, how I get there and what's nearby. MapQuest is one of the leading mapping brands online, offering maps and directions, and reaching more than 42.5 million users in December 2010, according to comScore Media Metrix. MapQuest's mobile solutions are compatible with a variety of mobile devices, including iPhone and BlackBerry devices. MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc., is based in Denver, Colo.
# # #
Media Contact:
Jennifer Asbury, 303-298-5331, Jennifer.asbury@mapquest.com

  1. A live-streaming network that uses the HuffPost universe -- the stories, editors, reporters, bloggers, and community -- as its real-time script
     
  2. +330
    Non-Profits work with AOL Impact
     
  3. AOLers volunteer at Dress for Success
     
  4. People spend

    4X
    more time with Project Devil ads than with standard banners
     
  5. AOLer Ben Hills says

    I like creating something brand new with a great group of people to help drive it forward, including leaders who have the courage and vision to help us do that.
     
  6. Learn about Editions: The Magazine That Reads You
     
  7. AOL video viewers have increased

    6x
    year over year
     
  8. Anytime, Anywhere Tech Support
     
  9. 95
    AOL Artists
     
  10. AOLer Shilpa Mudiganti says

    The energy at AOL keeps me going like no other. For someone like me who thrives on ideas, the creative freedom at AOL is a boon and I love coming to work every morning!
     
 
  1. Daily Impact on AOL.com

    17B
    free impressions driven to causes
     
  2. There are over

    850
    Patch Towns
     
  3. AOLer Cara Santa Maria says

    My role at AOL requires me to be a leader, a learner, and a team-player all rolled into one.
     
  4. AOL invades NYC during Advertising Week
     
  5. 240
    Canvases created by AOL Artists
     
  6. We award Blue Monsters to our top employees
     
  7. Stylelist

    1
    ComScore Rank (Style & Beauty)
     
  8. AOLer Chris Nims says

    I've stayed at AOL for as long as I have because I love what I do, and I love the people with whom I do it.
     
  9. 15
    Employee Interest Groups
     
  10. AOL On offers the most relevant video on every topic sifted, sorted and served to you.
     
 
  1. Explore the stories of trailblazing women and inspire your own through MAKERS.com.
     
  2. +200M
    Comments on The Huffington Post
     
  3. AOLer Samantha Leibovitz says

    I love coming to work every day and being surrounded by such creative, passionate people.
     
  4. Join Homepage for Heroe's mission to recognize honor and support our troops
     
  5. Advertising.com

    183M
    US internet users reached monthly
     
  6. AOL Named Top Company for Executive Women
     
  7. One part genius. Three parts llama. And a sprinkling of corporate AOL. That's what Winamp is all about.
     
  8. AOLer Christina Wick says

    What motivates me are the people I work with every day -- they're passionate and dedicated, but they know when to have fun. I strongly feel AOL's employees are its biggest asset.
     
  9. Games.com

    1,500
    Free online games
     
  10. 1
    HuffPost Green ComScore Rank