The Low-Tech Times

It is certainly convenient to enter your address and a destination address into an online map site such as Mapquest or Google Maps to get step-by-step driving directions. I get the sense that many people take the printouts with them in the car without even looking at them first. However, the hi-tech mapping sites are not always reliable.

This unofficial google blog article points out some problems encountered last year from users of Google Maps, including one route that called for taking over 200 u-turns. That problem has apparently fixed since then, but who knows what other problems remain?

The Washington Post offers this column by Rob Pegoraro about a problem with online mapping services. The hi-tech mapping sites tend to avoid recommending highways with HOV (high occupancy vehicle) restrictions during certain times. Depending on the time of your trip and the number of passengers you will be carrying, the online directions may not direct you over the best route.

I recently used Mapquest to get directions from Virginia to a wedding near Ithaca, NY. Mapquest advised taking I-81 North; however, I decided to leave I-81N at Harrisburg and take Rte 15 North after consulting some real maps. On my way home I followed Mapquest’s I-81 route. My experience was that US 15 route was a shorter, faster, and more interesting drive. Much of the US15 route follows the Susquehanna River.

I’m not necessarily suggesting that everyone should avoid online map sites altogether. Mapquest has new functionality allowing you to specify certain roads to avoid. You can use that feature to try to force it to show you the route you want. However, I do recommend keeping real maps in your glove box and enjoying the satisfaction that comes from successfully planning your own route.