1 API To Rule All Maps: Mapstraction

3 Apr

The title is fun, I know (and I love Lords Of The Rings).

Mapstraction has kind of a similar logic. It provides a common API for the major mapping providers. This means, when you code with Mapstraction API, you can easily switch from Yahoo Maps to Google maps or else.

You can even use this power to create creative solutions like this syncronizing maps example:

Some features of this mapping API:

Support for 9 major mapping providers
Point, Line, Polygon support
Image overlay
GeoRSS and KML feed import
Geocoding of addresses
Driving directions

Requirements: No Requirements
Compatibility: All Major Browsers
Website: http://www.mapstraction.com
Demo: http://www.mapstraction.com/ljn.php
Download: http://mapstraction.com/svn/source/

Tags: API Google Javascript MapQuest Yahoo
Filed under: Goodies, Map, Other License

2 Responses for "1 API To Rule All Maps: Mapstraction"

Dan Kaplan April 3rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Wow, this seems like a really cool idea. What would be even better is if it included fallback support: As far as I know, all these map providers limit you to X views a day. If this API could automatically switch to Yahoo maps when you’ve used up your X views of Google maps, it could save people a lot of money and effort!