Maps on the web. The web has already given us great access to maps of all kinds. Almost every business that serves consumers has a section of their page to show their location. Below I break down some categories and recommendations. Its intersting that some of the best providers of useful Map tools are the big searching aids, and our government.

Using Geoprhapical maps to find locally realated web sites is only beginning to take shape.

In March 2005 I tipped my hat to a Google Maps giving them a search drivability award for Google maps functions putting search in a users control (coupled with Google local)

Google's map pages work really quickly, but it is still in the "Beta" category as of 3/15/05.

It's a bit frustrating to lose your place and not be able to use the back button, but as you figure out their system, the information Google can give you and the way it draws the route is impressive. You can't yet hit a spot on the map and let it give you written directions but it might soon.

MapQuest, had been a dominate player. Yahoo Maps, and Microsoft Maps from Mappoint also provide some data linking to their maps but in a less visual less click and go sort of way. I imagine that both Yahoo and Microsft will also expand their map links and who provides the most complete, most open , Yet most usuable information from their maps remains to be seen.

I would still recommend Map Quest if you wanted to email quick directions to somebody to an address, or post a quick link. Google maps can do it, but it still feels a little experimental and might frustrate you in a rush.

This is where things have really gotten fascinating.

Topographical, street maps, wetlands, land use, photo satellites and more are now available on line.

Most of the information is Free for you to use, as it belongs in the public domain and was developed with tax payer money. Its ours? (hope they don't try to privatize it an make us pay for it all over again with ads).

Going to a local community or county government web site will likely give you the most local information. (I know one that shows historic silting areas of the SF bay and overlays wetlands on largehousing subdivisions!)

But here is the big grand daddy map of them all:

The National Map : USGS map of the united states

In their own words:

The National Map is a consistent framework for geographic knowledge needed by the Nation. It provides public access to high-quality, geospatial data and information from multiple partners to help support decision-making by resource managers and the public. The National Map is the product of a consortium of Federal, State, and local partners who provide geospatial data to enhance America's ability to access, integrate, and apply geospatial data at global, national, and local scales. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is committed to meeting the Nation's needs for current base geographic data and maps. Our vision is that, by working with partners, we will ensure that the Nation has access to current, accurate, and nationally consistent digital data and topographic maps derived from those data.

If you are on a budget, you can print out topographic pages as you need to, avoiding the expense of buying them from private services.

However, the commercial map site that advertises at sites like this will sell high quality durable maps that might be better for using out in the rain and stuff.