>We need the ability to send an address to MapQuest or other such service from within VFP and have the map displayed.

Darn it. This is a perfect example of how using a Web Service would be really helpful for you. But I can't find a MapQuest WebService, though it's listed on Epicenter's website.

Until you find a map webservice you're limited to depending on the URL as was suggested to you, but you have to code to protect for the day when the URL format changes. :-\