Waze - Mapping the Future

Hi All,

Over the weekend I took a trip.  To New Jersey. And while I took a route that I've taken several times before, I still got myself hellishly, horribly, time-lost, no maps of the area with me, lost.  Ugh. And while I did stop at a gas station (thanks Lukoil!!!) for great directions that got be back to where I was supposed to be, it felt awful being that lost.

So....lesson one.  Bring maps. Duh. You would think I would have learned that.  Okay, correction...we had maps in the car. Just not of the place in New Jersey that we were going. 

Lesson two - maybe we should use Waze?  So, as I've said before: 'What is Waze you ask?'  And as I've said before, 'Great question'.

Basically Waze is an app that gives the user the best route, every day, with real-time help from other drivers.  More specifically it is the world's largest community-based traffic and navigation app.  Users can join other drivers in the area who share real-time traffic and road information.  The result is that saves everyone time and gas money on their daily commute.

Interested users can download the app on Google Play and at the Apple App store.

If, by chance, you need assistance with the app, you can click here for the Waze Help Center. 
If you want to learn more about Waze, click on this link for the 'About Us' page on the site. 

Enjoy the links and the site and the app.  (And hopefully you won't get lost! And, in the process you might even save time and money!)

Regards,
Stu

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

D is For...

Hi All,

Another in a continuing set of blog entries that I started using the alphabet...previously I got up to C is For...we are now up to the letter D!

Dictionary - a great place to find out the meaning of a word!

Delta - airline website that lets you make airline reservations

Domino's - seriously, you can order pizza online - and you can track it also...

Disney - learn all about the Disney empire including cartoons, Disneyworld, Disney characters, parks, events and travel...

Dancing with the Stars - watch full episode of DWTS and learn more about the show and more...

Daily Show - full episodes and clips of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, get tickets, find guests and a forum to discuss the show

Dell - buy a computer from Dell.com or a laptop, or a tablet...for personal use, for small and medium size businesses and more

Derek Jeter - get the inside scoop on DJ - stats, inside info, learn about his Turn2 foundation and more

Directions - from mapquest.com

Download -find downloads of freeware, shareware, apps and game evaluations and more from this CNET affiliated website.

Dunkin Donuts - learn all about the donut chain - and find out about the donuts, shop online and find locations and more

Enjoy!

Stu