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As we mentioned in this morning's reboot Ask.com has [launched a new search and maps tool called AskCity][1], which combines data from [CitySearch][2] with Ask.com's existing maps feature. The new service enters an already crowded field with [Google Maps][3] and [Yahoo Maps][4] neck and neck in the race to overtake the undisputed king of internet mapping -- [Mapquest][5].
AskCity mirrors Google Maps in appearance, but adds another column on the far left side of the screen that lets you flip between Businesses, Events, Movies, Directions and more. The layout and design of the site are clean and easy to use and there's a wealth of features without crowding the interface.
You can search for local listings in any category, whether you want to find a business, an event location, movie showtimes or just get directions, everything is kept on one simple page. AskCity trumps most other map providers by offering multipoint directions and walking as opposed to driving directions (of the others, only Yahoo offers similar features).
Like Google Maps, AskCity can show satellite or street maps and offer the option to overlay labels and other information in satellite view (refered to on AskCity as "aerial").
AskCity adds some nice features on top of what you've come to expect from online maps services, including the ability to draw, annotate, mark and save maps. At the bottom of each map panel is a toolbar with various drawing tools for annotating a map, you can then take a spanshot of your customized map or email a permalink to friends. In my testing the customized maps worked best in Firefox and IE.
You can also create your own markers on maps, just drag the marker tool to a location and AskCity will calculate the address and then you can search of things around that location.
While you're browsing through your search results AskCity provides links to send a listing to your phone via SMS or email, get directions, read reviews, search for nearby listings and more.
If you're searching for restaurants AskCity can narrow by cuisine or neighborhood and you can make reservations via OpenTable. Most events can be booked via Ticketmaster and movie listings provide purchase links to Fandango. Movie searches can also be narrowed by location or genre.
I've always been a big fan of Google Maps, but AskCity is a very impressive offering with a great feature set. I found it to be faster, easier to use and offer better results than Google Maps or other services. The three paned interface manages to pack a ton of tools into a single window without cluttering up the site or confusing users.
Combine the excellent features and search results with the ten plus years of reviews pulled in from CitySearch and AskCity may soon have other services scrambling to catch up.
[1]: http://city.ask.com/city "AskCity"
[2]: http://newyork.citysearch.com/ "CitySearch"
[3]: http://maps.google.com/ "Google Maps"
[4]: http://maps.yahoo.com/ "Yahoo Maps"
[5]: http://www.mapquest.com/ "Mapquest"
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