Getting From Here to There: Mapping Websites

Hi All,

Just a quickie post today about mapping and direction (how-to-get-there) type websites.

Some quality sites that have good maps, easy-to-read directions and a few that have some extra 'perks' include:

Google Maps
Users can enter the address of where they are leaving from and the address of there destination. Users can click on the 'Direction' icon and a menu will appear when users can enter the starting point and the destination.   Once that information is entered a map appears and the route is traced in blue.  Trip length - both in time and distance (miles) appears on the screen.   The actual turn-by-turn directions are included as well.  Users can scroll in on the map to get a more detailed view of the trip.  Users can also scroll out on the map to get a more general - larger - view of the trip.  And, of course, the map can be printed so that you can use it when you are on the trip.   With Google Maps users can get an actual street view of that the street looks like.  Users can also get a satellite view of the map they are looking at.

A new feature that Google Maps has is the option to choose a travel route by mode of transportation. For example, users can see how to get from A to B by car, walking, bicycle or by bus.

Users can share maps, embed maps in documents, change search settings and save map search history for the future.
 


Mapquest.com
Mapquest is a competitor to Google Maps.  Some folks think it is better than Google Maps.  Others don't.  Take your pick.  But....Mapquest enables users to find charging stations for cards, lodging, restaurants, travel services, shopping, and more.  There is a MapQuest app available - just click the option 'App' and then enter your mobile phone number and the app will be sent to your phone.  Like Google Maps, users can print, email or link the map as well as scroll in and out of the map (once generated) to get the 'bigger' or 'smaller' picture of the map. Once a map is generated, estimate fuel cost is available.  Alternate routes are given as possible options for the user.  Live traffic can be seen by clicking on the Live Traffic option.  Also, traffic cameras are identified along a particular route.

So there ya have it...now there is no reason for you to be late or to get lost when you visit anybody, anywhere, anytime.

Hope the maps work well for you!

Regards,
Stu

Water, Water, Everywhere

Hi All,

Check out this report from a company called Surging Seas. It discusses the long-term (the next 30 years or so) affect of global warming on sea level.

Seeing as how we live on Long Island and so much of the Long Island's life (and recreation and business and entertainment) is relates to the water, beaches, shores and the water; I thought that this would be a relevant piece to post on the blog.

Without further ado, here is the link to the Surging Seas article and website and maps related to the research that they conducted.

Click on this link for Climate Central's Coastal Flood Risk Lookup feature. Very interesting material!

Regards,
Stu

M is for...

Hi All,

I'm pretty amazed - we're up to the letter 'M' in our ongoing march toward the letter 'Z' when discussing popular websites. (We're half way there to the letter Z!)

So, without any further ado... M is for...

Mapquest - a great resource for users to map out directions or to find a specific location

Macy's - National retailer of upscale goods and merchandise. Lots of men's, women's and children's clothing. They also have a large housewares and jewelry department...can buy online as well as in the stores.

MTA - find information about various branches of the MTA. Other info that can be found includes schedules, fares/tolls, maps, planned service changes and much more. Oh, and the site is super easy to use and easy to read. The site has info on subways, NYC bus lines, the LIRR, Staten Island Railway, Bridges and Tunnels and the Metr0-North Railroad. Finally -and the coolest feature of the site is the Service Status indicates on the left side of the site. It tells the reader about the service status on each subway, rail, bus or bridge/tunnel - very helpful! Note that you'll need to click on a little butteon to get to the various options (subway, rail, bus...)

Miniclip - want to play a game? Click on this link from Miniclip and you can find games in categories like 'Latest Games', 'Hot Games', 'Sports Games', 'Action Games', 'Winter Games', 'Puzzle Games', 'Stunt Games' and 'Multiplayer Games'. That should keep you busy for a long, long time! Enjoy!

Moviephone - a very useful website that gives you movie times and movie news in real time. Shows you what movies are currently playing in theatres and hs movie reviews and Oscar award information. Nice interface also - and easy to use.

Mortgage calculator - just enter a few pieces of information (home value, credit profile, loan amount, purpose of loan, interest rate, loan term, property tax and PMI) and you'll get an amortization table that lists mortgage details like monthly payments, total interest paid and pay off date. Very helpful and easy to use.

Regards,
Stu