Google announced a new set of application programming interfaces (API) for Google Maps, a business-centric approach. This feature will enable enterprises to track the location of vehicles, mobile resources and employees.
The Google Maps Tracks API lets enterprises build apps that can "store, display and analyze GPS data on a map." When built on Google's cloud, the service will give "geo-fencing" capabilities to the enterprises.
The second is the Geolocation API that allows an app or device to locate without the use of GPS, by connecting through Wi-Fi access points and cellular towers. Less usage of GPS will help conserve battery power of the device.
Both these APIs will allow businesses a customised Maps service to meet their needs.
"The Google Maps Tracks API, for example, can provide a fleet management company with tools for analyzing data from past and present deliveries. By seeing routing information on a familiar Google Map, they can determine which routes can save time and fuel," said Nabil Naghdy, Google Maps product manager in the company's blog post. "Using the Google Maps Geolocation API, the fleet management company can equip its vehicles with advanced positioning capabilities. Even in dense city blocks where GPS dropout is common, a dispatcher can still locate its fleet."
The "geo-fencing" feature enables a company to set a predefined area and sends automated notification to drives if they have diverted from the delivery territory.
More than 800,000 developers across the globe are using Google Maps API's to create their own apps based on Google Maps.
"With the launch of Google Maps Tracks API and Google Maps Geolocation API, companies can use real-time location-based information to make their operation run more smoothly and efficiently," Naghdy said.
