Sometimes it can be difficult to see the differences between MapQuest maps, Google Maps and Yahoo Maps. Once one site comes up with a new feature, the other sites quickly mimic it or try to map it better. Over the years, we have seen this with the addition of local information, reviews and satellite imagery. Proponents of the maps Yahoo provides will say they appreciate this site over the competition because Yahoo provides more accurate traffic data and better local search information.
One benefit of Yahoo Maps is that you can find local information about businesses, restaurants, gas stations, hotels, museums and more by typing in general search terms for your city. You can access this information through the driving directions page or visit directly at www.local.yahoo.com. Yahoo’s Local Search listings mimic the Yellowpages, but combine mapping capabilities, user-generated content and reviews, photos and videos. To search, you just need to know generally what you are looking for and where (for instance: “best pizza in new york city”) and the search engine does the rest. Yahoo automatically shows you other favorite restaurants as rated by other Yahoo members and invites you to add your own reviews.
The maps Yahoo creates are not just valuable for drivers, but they are also extremely salient for local business owners. Studies reveal that people choose almost all of their business services within a five-mile radius from their home or place of employment. Therefore, using mapping sites has become an ever-prevalent way to find local information. With the addition of consumer-generated reviews and five-star rating systems, capitalizing on this trend is essential. To get started, make sure your business is listed with accurate information in the Yahoo Local database (see the “Local Listings Center”). Submitting your information is straightforward and free, although you will need to wait 3-5 business days for final approval. You will have the option of signing up for a “Local Enhanced Listing” or a “Local Featured Listing,” which are offered at a flat fee but will give your business more prominent real estate on the site. You can also advertise using pay-per-click ads on the site, geo-targeted to your region.
As of 2009, some new features have been added to Maps Yahoo. Initially, there were only driving directions for the US and Canada, but now they have added more than 34 European countries to their database as well. You will notice their look is a little different too; fashioned like a Google Maps, rather than a MapQuest map. You can now select different terrain overlays, construction overlays and building footprints for major cities like NY and San Francisco. Users can search multi-destination directions, enter one box address entry and an interactive print page for easier functionality.
