Shortest Driving Distance on Maps

Using online services to find the shortest driving distance on maps has become almost second nature for most people. Technology has become advanced enough that roads and points of interest update daily on mapping sites. Within seconds, you can have the calculated distance and amount of time it takes to get there. You can then have it printed, sent by email and even sent to your mobile phone to take on the road with you, if you don't have a GPS unit.

Online Maps

Mapping services use algorithms to determine the shortest driving distance on maps between point A and point B. After inputting your starting point and destination, take a look at the map and you'll notice that the service finds routes like you might do when planning a road trip vacation. Usually, the shortest driving distances on maps are non-interstate roads like state highways or two-lane roads. This is because there are more options to get to your destination. Bear in mind that the shortest route typically takes longer to drive because average speeds are less than when using a route based on the shortest time.

Routes for shortest times use many interstates to get you to your destination. Since speeds limits range anywhere from 65 mph to 75 mph, the major highways are your best bet for the shortest time. The mapping website may find routes that seem like they take you five or ten miles out of your way, but it will balance out and even get you ahead most of the time because of the average speed you'll attain.

For a test, plan a route manually and calculate the distance to a destination you know. Then, use your favorite mapping service (or test one of the websites below) to see if it matches your shortest driving distance. You may find that there is a road or street that you missed that will shave off a couple of minutes or even a couple of miles!

Use some of the following websites and programs to give you the shortest driving distances:

• MapNation is an easy-to-use website that gives you the absolute basics. Enter in your starting point and destination and the directions appear within seconds. The default directions are for the shortest distance. MapNation also offers to look up maps of cities and countries and helps you locate zip codes and area codes.
• Bing Maps gives you detailed directions from point A to point B. Besides finding a route via the shortest distance, you can also look up directions by shortest time and by scenic route. One nice thing that Bing Maps does is within the directions, they include landmarks to help you find your way and even statements like, "If you pass John Smith Road, then you've gone too far."
• Google Maps is probably one of the most used direction services. Very similar to Bing Maps, you input the addresses you are starting from and getting to and Google pulls up a set of directions for you. After that you can print them out or send them to your mobile phone. If you use your mobile phone and have the Google Maps application installed, you can integrate the map into a GPS locator to find the shortest distance. The map updates approximately every minute so your exact location is not perfect, but Google Maps on your phone is convenient if you don’t have a GPS.
• Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010 is another option for those who like to use software. Microsoft Streets and Trips uses the same technology that Bing maps does, just offline. You can calculate short distances and conveniently reroute on the fly. One version of the software just comes with the program, but for a few extra dollars you can get the same software with a GPS locator that plugs into USB.

Finding the shortest driving distance on a map has become extremely easy to do with the technology available, but one in a while, tabulate a route manually just to see what you can come up with.

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