Mapping programs on the Internet are hardly few and far between.

Go to any search engine, type in travel, road trip, or maps, and sites will invariably pop up with links to more sites, that link to more sites.

MapQuest, Maps on Us, aaa.com and freetrip.com are just a few useful sites that offer mapping features that give address to address and city to city directions. The first three sites also provide maps split into sections for the chosen route.

Unfortunately, Internet maps are sometimes vague and not always accurate. MapQuest, for example, produces maps with the main route highlighted in purple, but surrounding streets are often not named.

The line-by-line directions are better, but sometimes the reader gets helpful instructions like "turn left onto unnamed road." One set of directions fizzled further in credibility when they stopped short of the destination by almost three miles and sent the driver on a side road that never met the destination. The AAA site uses MapQuest maps for their Routemaster program. Therefore, maps and directions are virtually identical to those on the MapQuest site. And while some of the information is free, one must be a member to use the most useful features on the AAA site. But to get the useful information, members have to go through a lengthy registration process. Users are often asked to log on more than once during a session. Still, members have the benefit of  finding accommodations, ordering free maps and finding information on road conditions more easily.

A more accurate mapping site is Maps on Us. There are more named cross-streets, directions are clear and accurate and actually endeavor to deliver you door to door as promised. If the program can't find an address, it will let you know and tell you how close it can come. The site asks you to register if you wish to save your preferences and personalize services, but maps, directions and yellow pages are available for everyone, and there is no fee for registering.

Freetrip.com has no maps, but it is a must-see for route planners. The site has visitors enter their origin, destination and route preferences such as scenic roads and interstate highways. They can then select accommodations along the route, from deluxe resorts to lodgings under $50. Once you submit your entry, the program gives estimated times and distances and line by line directions. Accommodations come up where they are located along the route. Clicking on one will get you to a site that has available rooms listed. Pick one, and with a credit card you can make your reservations online.

© copyright by Cat Bytes; Magazine produced by online students of the journalism department, California State University, Chico. Page maintained by Dr. Glen Bleske.