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We use multiple methodologies to get around. Online mapping services, asking friends and prior knowledge all inform our decision making process. The 'Directions as networks' project expands the scope of comparison between these methods by not only evaluating which way is 'faster' but by also discussing which variables each methodology uses. We do this by considering directions as a network of nodes and applying the language of networks (nodes, hop count, etc.) to our ad-hoc routes.

Mapping techniques can be compared by 'fastest route', but there are many other social variables which we often take for granted and that electronic systems currently do not provide. Pedestrian traffic, neighborhood safety relative to time and sightseeing interests are all valid variables in deciding direction routing. For example, you may want to decrease hop count and increase hop length for your elderly grandparents. It may take them longer to get there but fewer turns means they are less likely to get lost. What would it mean if online systems considered these variables?