MapQuest

MapQuest is the Internet's most popular source for maps and driving directions. It is the world leader in online, voice, and wireless mapping and driving directions, providing destination information anytime, anywhere. From its Web site, users can find millions of locations anywhere in the world, obtain detailed maps and accurate driving directions, locate places of interest, customize road trip plans, and create, save, fax, download, or e-mail personalized maps. It is a portal for mapping, auto travel, and all navigation needs. MapQuest's maps, driving directions and other location-based information can be accessed from a variety of different devices, including Internet-ready cell phones, wireless modems, PDAs, and other handheld devices.

Founded by R.R. Donnelley & Sons in the 1960's, MapQuest was initially a cartographic service that was responsible for creating road maps given to gas station customers for free. By 1991, they combined custom-mapping expertise with advanced spatial technology to pioneer next-generation e-publishing software for interactive mapping applications. It developed numerous electronic applications for contact centers, kiosks, client/server environments, CD-ROM applications, and wireless devices.

In February 1996, MapQuest launched the first consumer-focused interactive mapping site on the Web and became first-to-market within its online niche. In 1999, MapQuest changed its name to MapQuest.com, relocated to New York City, and accomplished a successful IPO; it is now part of the America Online family of brands. MapQuest is the largest consumer mapping and business solutions provider (BSP), as well as one of the most popular and recognized Internet brands. It serves more than 20 million maps per day to consumers; visitors to MapQuest.com can obtain driving directions in 9 different languages, including Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish.