Why Google Maps Doesn't Make You Want to Tear Your Eyes Out [Google Maps]

If you've never been able to put your finger on why Google Maps seems so much easier to read than other mapping services, here's why.

Justin O'Beirne lays out (and handily illustrates) the three major reasons Google Maps is more readable than the competition: White outlines, "a greater number/diversity of label classes" (more labels that are different sizes), and different label shadings. In other words, it's a lot of little things that add up to make it a nicer experience (hey look, Google can do design).

Once you see everything laid out, it makes total sense, so do check out all of the illustrations: [41Latitude via Techmeme]