Google Maps has added walking directions. They already had public transit in some areas. They include a lot of helpful information, in addition to the router.
For instance, I can drive the 3.5 miles from work to home in 8 minutes. On foot, the route is quite different but the distance is that same. Google thinks it would take 1 hour, 11 minutes (obviously, they don't take into account any ice cream stores en route).
By bus, they tell me it will take 58 minutes — and cost $1.75. They also tell me it would be $2.05 to drive. Again, no ice cream is factored in.
Nicely done. Though it's in beta, the walking route matches what I would choose.
I love the fact that Google keeps improving their systems. By the way, if you didn't know — one of the coolest features of Google maps is that you can click and drag to change a route. If their directions send you up 101 but you prefer to take 280, drag the route line over to 280 and a new route will be drawn, using the points you request.
Now everyone knows where you live.
Though actually my first thought was what about running? And my next thought was what about trails that wouldn't normally show up on street maps?
Posted by: Mike W. | July 23, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I'm obviously behind. I didn't know you could click and drag like that on Google maps to find an alternate route. Google thinks of everything _ thank goodness!
Posted by: Carolyn Jung | July 23, 2008 at 06:33 PM