What is a mapping service?
A mapping service is a service which allows its users to access different types of maps, such as street maps or topographical maps, depending on the users’ needs. It is also possible to view satellite maps.
There are several mapping services available right over the Internet. Anyone with an Internet connection can use them for free. Some of the more popular online mapping services include MapQuest, Yahoo Maps, and Google Maps.
Mapping services are also available for use on mobile phones which have Internet access. This allows the phone user to access an online map service to get driving directions or to obtain a street address. Some cellular phone companies provide their own application for this, such as a Google phone which uses Google maps. Other companies access existing map services through the browser included on the phone, or they will provide an application which can be downloaded to the phone, which will connect to a certain mapping service via the Internet.
There are also mapping services which are available desktop application form, such as one from Microsoft. The desktop application will obtain map information from a web service which is also run by Microsoft. This service allows the user to take information from an Excel spreadsheet and apply it into the map. This is helpful for users who want to map a certain route with stops for business or travel.
Some mapping services, such as Google Maps, allow users to see a picture of the street they are looking for. These street views are available for some cities. For cities where this is available, it gives the map user a view of the street where they are going. This is an added bonus when the user is looking for directions to a place that is new to them.
GPS, or global positioning systems, are becoming very popular. A GPS unit uses satellite to find the position of the unit. Software inside the unit then displays that position in a map. Many automakers are including GPS units in their new cars. These can be very helpful for drivers who need a map, but don’t want to try and read a paper map while driving.
Mapping services are an extremely helpful service, enabling users to easily find businesses, homes, or view the topography of an area.
A mapping service allows users to see street maps, topographical maps, and with some, the view from space. Many mapping services have gone online and are browser based, allowing anyone with Internet access to use their services free of charge. Some of the popular online mapping services include Google maps, Yahoo maps, Mapquest.com. There are also desktop applications, such as Microsoft Map Point®, which obtains map data from an web service run by Microsoft®. The desktop mapping applications allow data to be imported from an Excel spreadsheet and placed on a map. This feature can be very useful in conjunction with customer based software for creating route maps for sales travel and other purposes. Since these applications also use a web based mapping service for their updates, road construction and other changes to map data will be pulled into the software. Recently, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have become exceedingly popular. A GPS unit uses satellite signals to determine the pos
