MnGCA

sir_zman · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 3:55 pm Post subject: maps.ask.com

Ask.com has a new map site, the images have far better resolution and clarity than google maps, check it out.

http://maps.ask.com/

I was compairing the maps for the following coords:

45.02345, -92.99225

it's amazing. At the top of the map is a set of options to view stree map, aerial photo or mixed, and they allow you to use your scroll wheel to zoom in and out (something google maps doesn't allow you to do).

Their driving directions are pretty cool too, they allow you to "play" the directins and walk through the turns.

GeoPierce · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 4:42 pm Post subject:

The only thing that makes it better is that it has more detailed maps of Duluth. I've never understood why some of Duluth is blurry and some isn't when I use Google maps. Also, Google Earth has turn by turn directions and you don't have to be connected to the internet.

pfalstad · Geocacher Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 963 Location: Edina

Pear Head · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:37 pm Post subject:

GeoPierce · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:40 pm Post subject:

Pear Head · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:44 pm Post subject:

spinowner · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:50 pm Post subject:

I think the aerial photos are newer than the ones on Google.
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GeoPierce · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:01 pm Post subject:

sir_zman · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:26 pm Post subject:

I've noticed the speed issue as well, it's not that bad, but I agree that Google's interface is better, just wish they'd make the scroll wheel do zooming...and maybe update their photos.

KC0GRN · Past MnGCA Board Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 1424

MNMizzou · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 1:11 am Post subject:

Yeah the high res images are older... zooming in on work it doesn't even have half our parking lot... the Google map shows our lot sort of under construction... which I think was done when 9 and 29 merged into the same building for those who remember the dates of TV mergers and switches (as I wasn't up here yet)

15Tango · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:37 am Post subject:

I'm glad others are finding it slow, as well--I was starting to think that the other guy who's still using dial-up was online the same time I was.
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IBcrashen · Geocacher Joined: 17 Dec 2002 Posts: 244 Location: Duluth

To me it looks like mixed aged. Where they logged by Gonsolos cabin last fall is on there.

fsu*noles · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:28 am Post subject:

Regardless if the aerial maps are newer or older than Google, I give Ask big points for having ANY aerial photo coverage for anything outside the metro area at all - Google has Buffalo as a big blurry cornfield, as they do for most everything in MN outside the 494/694 loop...very frustrating. If you zoom out to a US level, you can see they did a great job with Illinois and a few other states, but Minnesota's coverage isn't very good - now granted, Ask lets me see Buffalo's corn fields in higher resolution, but it's still nice to see streets and house detail, so good for them. The more options the better I say!

-Ken

fsu*noles · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:25 am Post subject:

Example of above - here's my neighborhood on ask.com, which includes the houses around me:

And here's Google's interpretation of the same area, this is their best shot and the detail isn't even close...if you zoom in any more, you just get grey boxes. Check out the detail for Google for anything west of Plymouth, it's just one big blob...

In Ask's case, the streets aren't accurate but the aerial's are for my neighborhood - they're just missing about 20 more houses in the block. I think they'll both be useful, can't have enough tools, right? Smile

-Ken