MapQuest continues rollout of open-source mapping with Australia and New Zealand included

MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc., has announced the launch of eight new mapping sites built on open technology and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Over the past seven months, MapQuest has launched a total of 18 country- and language-specific “open” sites in nations around the world, illustrating the true global need and benefit of open-source maps.

These “living maps” are improved by consumers who can easily add content and details that make the map more timely, relevant and useful. The new sites include:

Australia: open.mapquest.com.au (British English)
Denmark: open.mapquest.dk (Danish)
Ireland: open.mapquest.ie (British English)
Mexico: open.mapquest.org.mx (American Latin Spanish)
New Zealand: open.mapquest.co.nz (British English)
Norway: open.mapquest.no (Norwegian)
Singapore: open.mapquest.com.sg (British English)
Sweden: open.mapquest.se (Swedish)

“For the last seven months, we have been very committed to building out country-specific sites based on OSM data. Moving forward, we will be focusing on how and where consumers are both using the maps and contributing to them,” said Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager, MapQuest. “At MapQuest, it’s not just about building quality products, it’s about making them intuitive for different user experiences, cultures and needs.”

Each of the open sites launched to date includes the new MapQuest brand and interface, as well as language selection, map tiles updated every fifteen minutes, driving directions updated daily, map toolbar, and options to send to Facebook, email or embedding on web pages.

The simplified error-reporting tool allows anyone to submit a change-request regarding topical map augmentations such as a missing new development, a public bathroom or expanded parking options. Previously, error-reporting on the MapQuest open sites was a multi-step process that created a disconnect between those reporting errors and those enhancing a map. Now, contributors are curators of their communities on the map with easy-to-use tools seamlessly integrated and displayed immediately, making the process simple and accurate.