Now that Google has arrived with an addition to its Maps service for foot traffic, awareness of walking directions has heightened somewhat. So we thought it’d be fitting to take a stab at comparing Google with a slightly more veteran operator, HopStop. The two are quite different in the way they function, after all. And while Google, due to name recognition alone, is likely to be the de facto source for sidewalk mapping, we like to consider the merits of inventions, irrespective of branding. Let the head-to-head commence.
This may not be an entirely obvious choice made available by the service. A search will result in a page filled with lots of buttons and devices. This can be overwhelming and confusing. Of course, having so many things on hand has its benefits. The all-inclusive aspect of HopStop makes it supremely useful for a variety of navigational purposes. But to the first-timer, it may seem a bit overstocked. You may have to look closely at your search results to find the option for an exclusive set of walking directions. Familiarization is key to making the most of HopStop. Once you get yourself fully oriented with the service, there’s a good chance you’ll like it. A lot.
Perhaps the biggest gripe to be had about Hopstop is its limited view on the landscape of the U.S. While Google Maps includes virtually every aspect of the nation (Google’s walking directions of course are limited, but that can quickly change with ample user feedback - something that the company is seeking), Hopstop’s powers are kept to the streets and walkways of the abovementioned regions. So, in some ways it is incredibly thorough. Yet, on a larger scale, it is lacking in comprehensiveness.
Sometimes Google Maps fails to provide the perfect route. But it is more or less a decent tool for the task. Also, users can drag the blue line wherever they wish. So if you’re hoping to traverse a route from Manhattan to Coney Island, say, and want to stroll down portions of waterside in Red Hook, you can customize as needed. There is also plenty of Street View coverage to work with in case you’re interested in “getting there” before you’ve even stepped away from your PC.
I would hesitate to call Google Maps a clear winner here. HopStop’s service is impressive. What HopStop is able to do, it does very well. If you’re one to use the full extent of a city’s transportation infrastructure, from concrete walks to light-rail lines, etc., HopStop is the definitive champion. No doubt about that. If you live in the heart of one of the largest metropolitan venues in the U.S., chances are you’ll want to make use of every option you can. But this is a juxtaposition of websites that offer walking directions. And given that focus, Google Maps gets gold.
Hopstop company profile provided by TradeVibes