In the digital age of Google, the Internet and “click of the button technology,” why use a paper map?

There are benefits, of course to looking at a real map. In the case of really getting lost–chances are you don’t have a phone with internet or a GPS and you are lost in the middle of nowhere–without a cell tower signal, a paper map comes in handy. So don’t throw those maps out. Save them for emergencies and keep them in the glovebox.

If you’re tech savvy, chances are, you have already explored Google Maps and MapQuest because everyone that uses the Internet search engine Google cannot help but find that there is a link to Google Maps in the upper left-hand corner of the home page. And of course, MapQuest has been around for a while and seemed to monopolize the Internet for mapping your destination until Google Maps appeared.

The first benefit you could see, if you love to search on Google, is that you can simply type your destination into the Google search engine.
For example, if you are searching for Tim Hortons in Buffalo, type in “Tim Hortons Buffalo NY” and you get several Web sites for Tim Hortons and phone numbers, etc.

Now, click on the maps link in the upper left-hand corner of the computer screen.
A variety of addresses appear, along with phone numbers. Clicking on any of them will give you an address. In order to get directions to that address, click on “directions to” and it will map out your route.

MapQuest is similar in its finding, type into the spaces what you are searching, in this case “Tim Hortons Buffalo NY.”

And your next step would be “directions to” and input your address.

They are both pretty similar, but the main different is that MapQuest has advertisements on its page.

Google Maps also offers a feature called street view where users can find out what their destination may look like.

Although, for now, Google Maps Street view is only available for main roads and city streets.
If your destination is in the rural parts of the country, Google Maps street view may not be available.

The benefit to street view is finding a landmark to identify if you are close to your destination. You can even view what your particular destination (building) may look like.

Obtaining a street view is simple, when the map appears on the right side of your screen, click and hold on the orange person symbol.
Next drag the symbol onto your street destination. Most likely it is where the ’A’ appears.

Once you let go of the mouse buttons, a photo of the destination and street will be visible.
Place your cursor on the screen, click and hold, now you can move your mouse left and right to change direction of you viewing area.

Another option available is zooming in and out with the plus and minus keys.

Benefits to using MapQuest are that you can check the current fuel prices and it will give an estimated fuel cost for your entire trip.
Also, by using MapQuest, users can send the map to your mobile phone. Simple text charges apply.
Also, if you happen to have OnStar, directions can be sent there as well.

Google maps can be found at google.com or the direct link is www.maps.google.com.
MapQuest is located at mapquest.com.

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