As readers of this blog know, the NAVTEQ Network for Developers tries to keep you up to date by informing you of all the APIs and companies out there that use NAVTEQ data.
One API we have not talked about yet is the Nokia Maps API. Nokia just recently released version 2 (v2) of this web based API and it looks pretty slick!
OK, before we go on, we have a full disclaimer: NAVTEQ is entirely owned by Nokia. Yes, it is true, Nokia is NAVTEQ’s parent company, and at the end of the day, we answer to them. Also be aware that even though NAVTEQ is owned by Nokia, we are not “pwned”, and the NAVTEQ Network for Developers is agnostic when it comes to who we support and promote. As long as you use NAVTEQ data, then it is all good and we want to promote you! Nokia Maps is no exception to this rule, so that is why we are writing about them here. Does this make any sense? Ok, cool!
Now with that out of the way, you really gotta check out the new Nokia Maps API! Nokia Maps API has some nifty features that you just might be interested in!
The first thing to note (which is very useful to Developers) is the Maps API Playground. This is basically a developer sandbox that allows to you run many of the Nokia Maps API calls, and see how the map behaves. If you want to quickly check out the Nokia Maps API available features, then you will definitely want to check out the Nokia Maps Playground. You can easily see most of the available features, just by clicking each example found in the side panel. This makes it pretty simple to take the Nokia Maps API for a test spin even if you have never written a line of code. Just make sure you click on the tiny, “Example selector” text in the bottom left hand of your screen to open the Example panel as that can be a bit confusing at first. The other really cool thing about the Nokia Maps API Playground is that after you run an example, you can grab the code! Yeah, that is a handy feature that Developers have come to expect, so it is good this is included in the Playground!
The Nokia Maps API has some other notable features worth mentioning… Besides being able to do some basic things like display multiple addresses and create a route from A to B, the Nokia Maps API has the ability to make a route dragable. This is a feature many users have come to rely on, so it is good to see this included. Another really cool feature is the ability to center the map on a device’s GPS location. This is a groovy feature for all you Mobile Developers out there and is something you should really check into a bit more.
One of the coolest updates in the Nokia Maps API v2, is that it now supports KML files! As you all know, KML files are a quick and easy way to get your custom location data to display on a map. The fact that you can now use the API to drop a KML onto Nokia Maps is huge! You can use Nokia Maps to make your own map mashups using a KML file! This ability is super cool any way you slice it!
Lastly, something that really might interest you is the price. It is hard to believe, but it looks like, (at this time) is unlimited and FREE! Yes, you thought the days of unlimited and FREE use of web map APIs was over, didn’t you? Well, apparently Nokia Maps is still providing this elusive perk, unlike some other Map APIs that don't use NAVTEQ data.
Check out what it says right in the Nokia Maps API terms and conditions: “Your use of the Software may be or may become subject to charges. Nokia reserves the right to charge for the Software and to change its fees from time to time, at its discretion.”
So there you have it! As of now it seems like use of the Nokia Maps API is unlimited and FREE! Something to think about for all you start-ups out there, isn’t it? Seriously, who doesn't like a FREE map with unlimited use?
With all these things going for it, Nokia Maps API is really something you should consider checking into a bit more. No really, you should. Go check it out!
Well, what do you think, was this blog post too biased?
Ok, it might have been a bit biased, but the fact of the matter is that the Nokia Maps API is a quality product and NN4D would be doing a disservice to our readers by not letting you know about it! So go check it out and judge for yourself and see what you think.
One API we have not talked about yet is the Nokia Maps API. Nokia just recently released version 2 (v2) of this web based API and it looks pretty slick!
OK, before we go on, we have a full disclaimer: NAVTEQ is entirely owned by Nokia. Yes, it is true, Nokia is NAVTEQ’s parent company, and at the end of the day, we answer to them. Also be aware that even though NAVTEQ is owned by Nokia, we are not “pwned”, and the NAVTEQ Network for Developers is agnostic when it comes to who we support and promote. As long as you use NAVTEQ data, then it is all good and we want to promote you! Nokia Maps is no exception to this rule, so that is why we are writing about them here. Does this make any sense? Ok, cool!
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| Nokia Maps API Playground |
The first thing to note (which is very useful to Developers) is the Maps API Playground. This is basically a developer sandbox that allows to you run many of the Nokia Maps API calls, and see how the map behaves. If you want to quickly check out the Nokia Maps API available features, then you will definitely want to check out the Nokia Maps Playground. You can easily see most of the available features, just by clicking each example found in the side panel. This makes it pretty simple to take the Nokia Maps API for a test spin even if you have never written a line of code. Just make sure you click on the tiny, “Example selector” text in the bottom left hand of your screen to open the Example panel as that can be a bit confusing at first. The other really cool thing about the Nokia Maps API Playground is that after you run an example, you can grab the code! Yeah, that is a handy feature that Developers have come to expect, so it is good this is included in the Playground!
The Nokia Maps API has some other notable features worth mentioning… Besides being able to do some basic things like display multiple addresses and create a route from A to B, the Nokia Maps API has the ability to make a route dragable. This is a feature many users have come to rely on, so it is good to see this included. Another really cool feature is the ability to center the map on a device’s GPS location. This is a groovy feature for all you Mobile Developers out there and is something you should really check into a bit more.
One of the coolest updates in the Nokia Maps API v2, is that it now supports KML files! As you all know, KML files are a quick and easy way to get your custom location data to display on a map. The fact that you can now use the API to drop a KML onto Nokia Maps is huge! You can use Nokia Maps to make your own map mashups using a KML file! This ability is super cool any way you slice it!
Lastly, something that really might interest you is the price. It is hard to believe, but it looks like, (at this time) is unlimited and FREE! Yes, you thought the days of unlimited and FREE use of web map APIs was over, didn’t you? Well, apparently Nokia Maps is still providing this elusive perk, unlike some other Map APIs that don't use NAVTEQ data.
Check out what it says right in the Nokia Maps API terms and conditions: “Your use of the Software may be or may become subject to charges. Nokia reserves the right to charge for the Software and to change its fees from time to time, at its discretion.”
So there you have it! As of now it seems like use of the Nokia Maps API is unlimited and FREE! Something to think about for all you start-ups out there, isn’t it? Seriously, who doesn't like a FREE map with unlimited use?
With all these things going for it, Nokia Maps API is really something you should consider checking into a bit more. No really, you should. Go check it out!
Well, what do you think, was this blog post too biased?
Ok, it might have been a bit biased, but the fact of the matter is that the Nokia Maps API is a quality product and NN4D would be doing a disservice to our readers by not letting you know about it! So go check it out and judge for yourself and see what you think.
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