MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL (News - Alert) Inc., and an online mapping solutions provider, revealed the launch of eight new mapping sites built on open technology and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data.

Over the past seven months, MapQuest has launched a total of 18 country- and language-specific “open” sites in nations around the world, illustrating the true global need and benefit of open-source maps.

Also, these maps are made more lively as it allows consumers to easily add content and details that make the map more timely, relevant and useful, said the company.

The new sites as stated include: Australia: open.mapquest.com.au (British English), Denmark: open.mapquest.dk (Danish), Ireland: open.mapquest.ie (British English), Mexico: open.mapquest.org.mx (American Latin Spanish), New Zealand: open.mapquest.co.nz (British English), Norway: open.mapquest.no (Norwegian), Singapore: open.mapquest.com.sg (British English) and Sweden: open.mapquest.se (Swedish).

“For the last seven months, we have been very committed to building out country-specific sites based on OSM data. Moving forward, we will be focusing on how and where consumers are both using the maps and contributing to them,” Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager at MapQuest said in a press release.

“At MapQuest, it’s not just about building quality products, it’s about making them intuitive for different user experiences, cultures and needs,” Dwyer added.

The new mapping sites launched to date includes the new MapQuest brand and interface, as well as: language selection, map tiles updated every 15 minutes, search updated every five minutes, driving directions updated daily, map toolbar for easy searching on the map, options to send to Facebook (News - Alert), email or embed in website, draggable routes and a facility to right-click on map to identify nearest location.

Moreover, the simplified error-reporting tool is aimed at allowing anyone to submit a change-request regarding topical map augmentations such as a missing new development, a public bathroom or expanded parking options.

The company last year updated its MapQuest 4 Mobile downloadable application which provides easy access to directions, maps, and local search. With MapQuest 4 Mobile users can also have the ability to integrate any saved maps and directions on MapQuest.com to the MapQuest 4 Mobile application.

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