One week ago, Local.com declared that it had secured a patent “For [An] Ad-Supported 411 Local Search Model,” and the company’s stock skyrocketed as a result. Today’s announcement, which involves “Enhanced Interactive Mapping Capabilities,” is less likely to produce that effect, but it’s still interesting.
“Local.com’s latest maps take advantage of state-of-the-art mapping technology with maps that are larger and easier to read with more clearly defined boundary delineations and magnified names on major roads and freeways,” the company stated in a press release.
That sounds promising, but further details reveal that Local.com is largely playing catch-up with its competitors. As for calling this “interesting,” well, that’s not the same as calling it “fantastic.”
“[B]usiness information and driving directions are accessible directly on the interactive map screen,” the release continues. “The maps present a more user-friendly interface that enables users to utilize scroll zoom and ‘click-and-drag’ capabilities. The site’s new and improved driving directions also offer more detailed data, ‘reverse directions’ and more printer friendly formats.”
I can’t remember a time (though I’m sure there was one) when Google, Yahoo, and Mapquest didn’t offer reverse directions. And given the nature of Google’s latest map-related release, Local.com’s latest move has not established it as a leader in this field.
That’s all right, though – Local.com still describes itself as a “local search engine,” not a mapping whiz. Fans of the service can take the mapping upgrades as an added bonus.
Hat tip to 901am’s Minic Rivera.
