maps

Extreme TLDR: In 1967, R.R. Donnelley launched Donnelley Cartographic Services to produce road maps, growing into the largest custom mapping organization. In 1994, it spun off GeoSystems Global Corporation, which created MapQuest, launching in 1996. After rapid growth, MapQuest went public in May 1999, valued at $800M shortly thereafter. AOL acquired MapQuest for $1.1B in December 1999, leading to traffic growth but eventual decline post-acquisition. MapQuest still exists under System1, relying on Mapbox technology, a far cry from its former status.

https://maphappenings.com/2024/07/18/mapquest/