At the end of summer, Google announced news related to Google Maps Platform. We recently shared information about the eco-friendly routing option in the Google Maps application. This feature allows users to optimize their routes to limit fuel consumption. We are happy to forward the announcement from Google – eco-friendly routing is now coming to the new Routes API! Other news are related to features that:
- help verify addresses during user sign-up and order checkout processes,
- provide more detailed and flexible routing capabilities,
- let you create highly customized map markers.
Eco-friendly routing now available in Routes API
Eco-friendly routing in Google Maps creates the most fuel-efficient itineraries for drivers, helping them save money on fuel and fight climate change by reducing their carbon footprint. Since introducing eco-friendly routing to the Maps app, Google is estimated to have helped remove more than half a million metric tons of carbon emissions. This equals taking 100,000 fuel-based cars off the road.
Adding eco-friendly routing to Routes API means that it can now also be used in anyone’s app or digital product. Companies that select their engine types and enable real-time traffic information will receive the most accurate fuel or energy efficiency estimates. This will allow them to optimize their fuel expenses. For example, delivery companies will be able to measure their fuel consumption and savings for a single trip, multiple trips, or even across their entire fleet to improve their business performance.
New Routes API – more detailed and flexible routing
New Routes API is based on the foundational features of Directions and Distance Matrix APIs, such as up-to-date directions with real-time traffic as well as calculating distances and estimated arrival times. Routes API additionally offers new advanced features so you can provide your users with even more detailed, flexible routes and accurate ETAs. Here are the capabilities of the new Routes API:
- Routing for two-wheeled vehicles
- Road toll data and improved accuracy of journey pricing
- Visualizing real-time traffic along a route
- Options for specifying whether a waypoint is a pass-through location or a stopping point
- Eco-friendly routing
Address Validation – improved processes of account sign-up and order checkout
Errors and misspellings are bound to happen when users need to manually enter data in online forms. This is often the case with address data for account sign-up or order checkout. Incorrect addresses result in failed deliveries and cost companies both money and time. Most of the time, incorrect address data can be avoided by using an address validator. This is why Google created Address Validation, a new API that helps detect errors in addresses.
Address Validation identifies address components, fixes errors, and augments addresses with missing data. All this helps prevent refunds, canceled orders, and customer support calls. Implementing Address Validation saves businesses their time and money, it also improves user experiences by removing the problematic element of account sign-ups and order checkouts.
Advanced Markers – personalize markers on your maps
One of the functions requested by developers was the option for easy customization of the default red marker on Google Maps. Google fulfills this request and presents Advanced Markers for JavaScript API. With this feature, developers will be able to personalize markers directly in their code using SVG and HTML elements.
Advanced Markers let you change the color, background, icon, and outline of the default red pin. It supports the SVG format so it’s easy to switch the marker to your own logo or other images. You can also create markers that respond to user interactions using HTML and CSS – no image needed. For example, a real estate company could create markers that display home prices and reveal more information when a user clicks on them.
Similarly to the recently released data-driven styling, Advanced Markers are included in Dynamic Maps for Maps JavaScript API.
These are all the recent news from Google. If you don’t want to miss any upcoming updates, subscribe to our newsletter! 😊