I didn't hear about the new beta of MapQuest, which launched Friday, from MapQuest, but from another blog (BlinkGeo). That writer apparently found/heard about the new MapQuest blog. Apparently there was no official announcement, just the new blog and the first post touting the beta and some of its features.

You can see all the new tweaks in a "tour" on the site. It's interesting to note the tour's URL includes the terms "New UI." That suggests to me limited new functionality, but changes in the interface, at least at this point.

Here are some new interface features I particularly liked:

- The ability to move map icons out of the way to clearly see locations. Leaders lines pop up or extend themselves to retain connection to the reference numbers. I think this will be particularly useful for those printing out maps.

- Single field for location information – no more tabbing from one field to another. That's becoming standard.

- Enhanced support for multiple stops. It's easier to add in a second, third, etc. destination.

According to TechCrunch this new look will take over the main site by the end of the year. Alas, there's no details on changes for developers. But the article does note upcoming new features:

You will soon be able to drag the location pins around to read what’s underneath (they will remain connected to the spot they are marking by a thin line). [That's already implemented.] The maps will become embeddable in other sites. Live traffic updates will be added. And people will be able to annotate the maps.

I visited the main MapQuest site, which I've not visited in some time. Of note, the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy have been updated, as of October 9. Most of the changes have to do with use of MapQuest on mobile devices. This one does not: "In the unlikely event you choose to bring a legal claim against MapQuest or the MapQuest Group, you must now do so within one (1) year of when your claim arose."

One note for MapQuest: I'm pleased to see you spell NAVTEQ correctly in the copyright notices on your maps. However, you spell Tele Atlas incorrectly. It's two words. This error is on both the main and beta sites. [Disclosure: I am a Tele Atlas contractor.]

ESPN used Google Earth to show the locations of the University of North Carolina and the Univeristy of South Carolina, who met in a football game this weekend. To my suprise, alongside the Google Earth logo were the names of four imagery providers in good-sized type. Maybe that'll help people understand from where Google gets its imagery?