MapQuest

MapQuest is an app designed to provide turn-by-turn GPS navigation across the United States and Canada. Users can obtain voice-guided directions for both driving and walking, leveraging real-time traffic updates to find efficient routes to their destinations. Beyond core navigation, the app also supports exploring points of interest such as restaurants, gas stations, and hotels, and offers tools like a speedometer to monitor current speed against limits.

Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Routing

The app provides voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions for navigating by car or on foot. It uses up-to-date satellite imagery and maps to help users find their way. Routing features include real-time traffic updates to identify the fastest paths, optimized routing to potentially save time, gas, and money, and the option to choose from alternate routes. Users can customize their routes by setting preferences to avoid elements like highways and toll roads. For trips with multiple stops, the app supports creating multipoint routes. Additionally, routes can be planned starting from a location other than the user’s current position, facilitating advance trip preparation. A speedometer is also included, allowing users to compare their current speed against the posted speed limit along their route.

Exploring Points of Interest and Services

MapQuest extends beyond basic directions by integrating tools for exploring nearby points of interest. Users can search for and discover local establishments like restaurants, bars, gas stations, and hotels using a dedicated layers bar. The app allows users to compare prices at nearby gas stations, potentially leading to savings. For dining, it facilitates browsing menus, making reservations, and ordering food through OpenTable and GrubHub integrations. Hotel deals can also be found and booked directly within the app. Furthermore, users can view local weather forecasts to assist with planning. In case of vehicle issues, the app provides direct access to on-demand roadside assistance.

Convenience Features

For frequent destinations, MapQuest allows users to store locations, such as home and work addresses, as favorites for quick access to maps and directions. The app also offers a corresponding Android Watch app, enabling users to get directions on-the-go directly from their wearable device. Recent updates have enhanced the navigation experience, allowing users to add stops for gas, food, coffee, or hotels while already navigating, with an immediate display of the added time. Search functionality has been improved, enabling users to search within a specific area by moving the map and tapping, with the map zooming to better display search results. Route times are now presented with smaller labels for improved readability and route visibility.

Practical Considerations

It’s important to note that continuous use of GPS running in the background can significantly impact battery life.