Electronic map API comparison

The statement is not original. I am professional in GIS. The company also considered using API for development, but gave up due to more restrictions. This author is relatively familiar with

Google Maps API: Google Maps API is based on Google Maps and can embed Google Maps into web pages using JavaScript. The API provides a number of utilities for working with maps and adding content to maps through a variety of services, allowing users to create powerful map applications on their websites. Google Maps API supports traffic maps and satellite maps, and is available in Chinese language. Its landmark file KML format has become the standard format for online maps. Both Google Earth and Google Maps support KML. At present, it is widely used both internationally and domestically. When it comes to Internet map applications, Google Maps API basically cannot be ignored.

Microsoft Virtual Earth API: API based on Virtual Earth, English version, with rich examples and display effects. You can view the relevant source code after previewing the effects. Unfortunately, it does not currently support the development of Chinese maps.

Yahoo Maps API: Based on Yahoo Maps, like Microsoft Maps, it only supports English and does not support the development of Chinese maps. Yahoo Maps provides three forms of development interfaces based on Flash, Ajax and Map Image, with relatively complete functions and good display effects.

MapABC API: A domestic map supplier based on MapABC. Google Maps’ China data uses MapABC, but its API interface is different from Google’s. Its API is not as open and flexible as Google Maps. API.

MapBar API: A domestic map provider based on MapBar, and its data is provided for use by Baidu Maps.

I Want a Map API: Based on 51 Maps, one of the features of I Want a Map is to provide map data download, which can realize local desktop maps, but its map data capacity is hundreds of megabytes.

We conducted technical research on several mainstream map API service providers on the market: Google map service, MapABC map service, Microsoft map service, and other map services. Based on the survey results, we selected a more suitable one. Map service providers that meet your needs provide references.

1. Research content plan

The main content of this technical research is:

1. How to use various MAP-APIs. MAP-API investigates the development efficiency of the system, such as the rationality of use and the convenience of encapsulation.

2. Preliminary research on the functions of various MAP-APIs, research on the functional limitations of various MAP-APIs in the free version, similarities and differences between free and paid

versions, and charging strategies and price

3. For each MAP-API, a simple calling example is completed with the free version of the API, which also facilitates the code-level usage experience of each API.

2. Survey details

2.1 GOOGLE MAP API survey

2.1.1. Introduction and evaluation of main usage methods:

Google Types and application scenarios of Map API:

A. Google JavaScript Map API: Embedded Iframe display format, suitable for general Internet application systems, with

standard mainstream browser loading client system. Supported browser types: ie, firefox, safari, google chrome.

Developed using standard Java script, it can integrate Google map space, which is similar to standard Google map functions.

B. Google Maps API (Flash version): FLASH display format, continued development using flex, suitable for standard browser loading

client systems. '

C. Google Static Map API: Picture: Picture display format, its use has been blocked by GFW for some reasons, so it also affects the Microsoft Map API service ditu. live.com, I hope similar incidents will happen less often in the future.

Some information comes from the Internet and is for developers’ reference only!