Online maps most popular form of navigation

26th October 2008

Categories: News - Archive

Online maps are the most popular form of navigation, with 88% of people having used one, according to research by mapping site Multimap.

The research found 72% of people have used an online map in the last six months, compared to 66% who used paper maps and 29% who rely on satellite navigation. Jim Cruickshank, general manager of B2C at Multimap, said, "People choose online maps over alternatives like SavNav because they offer more than just maps and users can explore places and get local information. More crucially, online maps are free, but also SatNav has become less trusted because of the idea that it can send you down the wrong path."

The research found that women are best at planning trips - 68% of women said they liked the extra information online maps can provide. Multimap identified this group as 'passionate planners' and the research revealed they enjoy and actively engage with online advertising. "What we found most intersting was the polarity of users. One one hand there were functional users, but then also the passionate planners who want to explore and find out more," said Cruickshank.

The research found people aged 25-44 were more likely to use online maps and more likely to call other people for directions while older people would use paper maps.

Source:- New Media Age