Jan 2, 2010
MapQuest Mobile Implements Browser Geolocation
Now this should make you feel good about mobile web standards. Mapping pioneer MapQuest is now using the geolocation standard to provide directions from your current location in MapQuest Mobile — m.mapquest.com, which does not work in a non-mobile browser.
When you select a text field, MapQuest provides an option to use your current location. Then, when you submit the form, the browser requests your location.
The MapQuest blog post references Android, but it also works on my iPhone. And, since it’s a standard, it will work in any other mobile browser that uses the JavaScript geolocation I described when the iPhone OS 3.0 was released.
It’s great to see more of this “in the wild,” especially from a major player like MapQuest.
Hi, I'm Adam. I'm writing a book about developing maps on the web. This site is where I'll share the things I find and help you create your own maps. 
came across your post, i am working a javascript library that supports many other platforms not just iphone and android, but also many blackberries.
http://code.google.com/p/geo-location-javascript/
lots of possibilities.
Thanks Stan. That seems like a great project, akin to Mapstraction, which I recommend for abstracting differences between mapping providers:
http://mapscripting.com/which-maps-api-should-i-use
Great site, Adam. Very fun. I have a tendency to do the same thing all the time, so it was fun to try it out and find something new.
How are you storing state about which places I’ve been to? Cookie?
I was really spooked when Firefox asked me to share my location w/ the site. I was all, “What’s this!?” I read the Firefox’s FAQ, and forbid it from sharing the information (which is probably not surprising to you considering our previous conversation). Telling Google where I am is too much. They want my SSN or credit card number also so they can verify my name: http://j.mp/8MU0HV. Where do these people stop? When they’re embedded in my brain?! They would certainly be able to sell a lot of CPM ads that way.
Again, cool site. I’ll be having coffee somewhere new very soon thanks to you