Mapping and Geolocation API Integration
Mapping and geolocation APIs enable location-based features in your application — displaying maps, geocoding addresses, calculating distances and routes, finding nearby locations, and validating address data. Location features are increasingly expected in customer-facing applications.
Core Geolocation Capabilities
- Geocoding: Converting addresses to coordinates (lat/long) and reverse geocoding (coordinates to address)
- Maps display: Embedding interactive maps with markers, routes, and custom styling
- Distance and routing: Calculate distance between points, driving/walking routes, travel time estimation
- Place search: Search for businesses, addresses, and points of interest
- Address autocomplete: Suggest complete addresses as users type — improves checkout conversion and data quality
Google Maps Platform
The dominant mapping API with the most comprehensive coverage. Products include Maps JavaScript API, Geocoding API, Places API, Directions API, and Distance Matrix API. Pay-per-use pricing — most use cases fall within the generous free tier. Essential for high-accuracy UK address lookup.
Alternatives
- Mapbox: Better design customisation, competitive pricing, good for heavily styled maps. Uses OpenStreetMap data.
- Here Maps: Strong routing and logistics features. Good for fleet and logistics applications.
- OS Data Hub (Ordnance Survey): UK-specific authoritative mapping data — excellent for UK address and postcode lookup
- What3words API: Precise location sharing via 3-word addresses — useful for delivery and logistics