The Map Becomes Clickable

MapQuest in April 1997 promises dynamic maps of more than 3,000,000 locations worldwide, including over 1,000,000 businesses. Its metadata names maps, route planning, travel, directions, navigation, business travel, vacations, and driving.

The page points to Interactive Atlas, TripQuest, personalized maps, shortcuts, advertising, press information, and client showcases. It also tells visitors the site is best experienced with popular browsers of the day.

Historically, this page captures a major shift: maps were becoming interactive services rather than folded paper, wall charts, or CD-ROM products. Users could click, zoom, customize, save, and print.

That changed how the web entered everyday life. Finding a business, planning a route, or preparing a trip became a browser task. MapQuest turned location into something searchable and personal. The later world of phones, turn-by-turn navigation, and local search has an early outline here.