What's the most reliable and accurate online driving directions site?
I have used three: Mapquest, AAA's Triptik, and Google Maps (Beta),
and so far have found the AAA service the best of those three.
I have often found that, when I print up directions from any of these
services and show them to a resident of the city I'm visiting, he or
she will inevitably say "that's the long way around" or words to that
effect. Why is this so often the case? |
Clarification of Question by
nautico-ga
on
07 Jun 2005 11:50 PDT
I have the sense that the reason locals often disagree with the wisdom
of online driving directions is that the latter are probably the
result of an algorithm that plots the shortest (as opposed to the
quickest) possible course, notwithstanding the annoying complications
of what seems a circuitous route that locals would never take. None of
the three services that I cited offer a quickest (as opposed to
shortest) option, and, in fact, it's not evident which of the two
bases are used. Microsoft's Streets & Trips, on the other hand, does
offer both options, plus a "scenic route," but then it doesn't offer
the kind of constant updating available in the online services, at
least not in the version I have.
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Clarification of Question by
nautico-ga
on
09 Jun 2005 05:48 PDT
This recd from AAA:
Mr. ______:
Thank you for using aaa.com and your interest in AAA services.
Route selections for the computer generated TripTik are based on the
level a highway has been assigned. i.e. an Interstate receives a
category 4, divided highway a 3 and so on.
It is quite feasible the choice you have received would be a bit
longer vs. the direct route ? particularly in city street level
situations.
This has been recognized by AAA ? and they are in process of improving
the program to allow more flexibility for the user.
There are times you can influence the route by listing a street name
or route numbers to guide it (in the address field) . . .I won?t
guarantee that will work all the time! I?ve seen some of the work AAA
National is doing for the controlling of the route, it?s great. And
once they are comfortable with all pieces being together on it, we?ll
have access to it.
However, if you find that the directions provided are really way out
of line, please do let me know ? we?ve been researching those issues
and providing adjustments as needed.
Thanks again for your interest, and hang in - - - were moving on!
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