MapQuest's Creative Response to the 'Gulf of America' Renaming
MapQuest has introduced the Gulf Map Generator, a unique tool that allows users to rename the Gulf of Mexico to anything they choose. This interactive feature offers a fun and creative way to engage with maps while sidestepping political controversy. Learn how to use this tool, its benefits, potential drawbacks, and why it’s sparking conversations online.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 21, 2025
In the case of the Gulf of America, a lot.
In a bold move that has sparked widespread debate, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14172 on January 20, 2025, mandating the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America."
This directive has led to varied responses from mapping services and the public alike.
While major mapping platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps have complied with the executive order by updating their U.S. maps to reflect the new designation, MapQuest has taken a different path.
This month, MapQuest unveiled the "Gulf Map Generator," a tool that allows users to personalize the name of the Gulf.
Accessible through a dedicated website, this feature enables individuals to input any name they choose, generating a customized map with their selected label prominently displayed over the Gulf's expanse.