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A screenshot of Google Maps and Bing Maps, displayed in Google Chrome. (McGarr\McGarr Media) |
The discussion almost sounds like the marquee for a heavyweight title match, and when it comes to online cartography, it very much is. While there are plenty of other options out there, the two major contenders in this no-holds-barred cage-match of cartography are Google, an ubiquitous titan in the online world; and Bing (Microsoft), longstanding veteran and Champion of the software world. Both companies offer online and offline mapping software, and both are of great help to road trip enthusiasts and novices alike. Yet, for many, the question is: which is the best?
Ease of Reading
How easy a map is read is a key feature for any good map. For myself though, I find Bing often wins hands down. Bing Maps are more 'map' like, that is they have a paper map look and visual feel to them, where Google Maps are very flat. Bing Maps also clearly identify places like National Parks, National Forests, Military Bases, and something completely missing from Google Maps: Indian Reservations. Bing Maps also include the County and State title as you zoom further in, so you can find a county name just by zooming in on a certain part of the country. Bing Maps also has a elevation relief to it, so you can see the same shading and highlighting of mountains as good paper maps. On look and feel, Bing Maps wins the round.
Features
Another key feature of a good mapping system is, well, features. While both mapping systems allow you to draw on the map, creating routes and adding push-pins, Google has a few extra features available. Users can draw lines that snap to roadways, allowing them to create custom, road-by-road routes. Very handy if you like to customize routes on specific roadways without either having to research addresses, or, try to snap the automatically drawn route to what you want. One feature that Google Maps is missing that I prefer over Street View is Birds Eye View on Bing Maps. The images are often clearer, and I've been able to use the view more often to find businesses by reading signs on buildings. Even with that one step up over Google Maps, Bing Maps still comes into a second on features.
Who wins?
In my opinion it depends on what you are trying to do. I prefer Google Maps for routing or searching, but use Bing Maps almost nearly as often due to the features and information differences. If Google Maps adjusted itself to display things like Reservations, elevation relief, and county names, then I would most likely use them exclusively.
What do you think? Do you have a preference for your online mapping? Comment below and let us know!
Bradly McGarr is the owner and editor of Open Road International Magazine, a online collaborative travel blog open to the public and accepting submissions from travel enthusiasts. If you have questions, comments, or story ideas, contact Bradly at brad@openroadinternational.org.
Comments
I am a huge map fan. I have a few software mapping programs plus a large file of paper maps from all over.
I have not used Bing but will give them a try after reading your review. Thanks.
Well-written comparison. I haven't tried Bing either but will use it soon and see how it compares for myself. I've also had decent luck with Mapquest.
Interesting Article, I too have not used Bing Maps. In fact, I use this internet feature a lot less as I use my GPS more. It would be interesting to see if others have that same experience.
Mappquest, how does that compare? I will explore Bing..thanks
I stopped using Mapquest a long, long time ago for a couple of different reasons: there were better options that were more accurate, and, Mapquest was bought by AOL (I also work in IT, so there is little fond feelings for AOL). If enough people are interested though I can do research for a Mapquest size up? email me your thoughts: brad@openroadinternational.org.
i usually use mapquest and have been lost alot of times. bravely, i used them to route a trip from long island to west virginia. surprisingly, everything went ok. (we did get lost 3 times during the trip, but not on the way to the trip.) however, i'll try bing next time.
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