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MapQuest Continues Rollout of Open-source Mapping with Introduction of Eight More Country-specific Sites

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. uction-of-eight-more-country-specific-sites.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, January 19th 2011 at 4:10 GMT by Market Wire
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DENVER--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL), today announced the launch of eight new mapping sites built on open technology and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Over the past seven months, MapQuest has launched a total of 18 country- and language-specific aopena sites in nations around the world, illustrating the true global need and benefit of open-source maps.

"At MapQuest, ita™s not just about building quality products, ita™s about making them intuitive for different user experiences, cultures and needs."

These aliving mapsa are improved by consumers who can easily add content and details that make the map more timely, relevant and useful. The new sites include:

• Australia: [ open.mapquest.com.au ] (British English)
• Denmark: [ open.mapquest.dk ] (Danish)
• Ireland: [ open.mapquest.ie ] (British English)
• Mexico: [ open.mapquest.org.mx ] (American Latin Spanish)
• New Zealand: [ open.mapquest.co.nz ] (British English)
• Norway: [ open.mapquest.no ] (Norwegian)
• Singapore: [ open.mapquest.com.sg ] (British English)
• Sweden: [ open.mapquest.se ] (Swedish)

aFor the last seven months, we have been very committed to building out country-specific sites based on OSM data. Moving forward, we will be focusing on how and where consumers are both using the maps and contributing to them,a said Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager, MapQuest. aAt MapQuest, ita™s not just about building quality products, ita™s about making them intuitive for different user experiences, cultures and needs.a

Each of the open sites launched to date includes the new MapQuest brand and interface, as well as:

• Language selection
• Map tiles updated every 15 minutes
• Search updated every 5 minutes
• Driving directions updated daily
• Map Toolbar for easy searching on the map
• Send to Facebook, email or embed in website
• More sharing and send to options
• Draggable routes
• Right-click on map to identify nearest location

The simplified error-reporting tool allows anyone to submit a change-request regarding topical map augmentations such as a missing new development, a public bathroom or expanded parking options. Previously, error-reporting on the MapQuest open sites was a multi-step process that created a disconnect between those reporting errors and those enhancing a map. Now, contributors are curators of their communities on the map with easy-to-use tools seamlessly integrated and displayed immediately, making the process simple and accurate.

Much of the technology used to create and power these sites is freely available and can be found on the MapQuest Developer Network at [ http://developer.mapquest.com ].

To get involved in the OSM movement, visit [ www.openstreetmap.org/ ] or send an e-mail to [ osm@mapquest.com ].

About MapQuest

MapQuest provides Internet, mobile, and business solutions delivering on the promise of helping people research and discover: where is it, how I get there and whata™s nearby. MapQuest is one of the leading mapping brands online, offering maps and directions, and reaching more than 42.5 million users in December 2010, according to comScore Media Metrix. MapQuesta™s mobile solutions are compatible with a variety of mobile devices, including iPhone and BlackBerry devices. MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc., is based in Denver, Colo.