The new REST API will allow developers to easily integrate map data and map functions into their own websites and applications. We talked about the advantages of the new solution with Jan Laš, product manager mapy.cz.
Why should a website operator be interested in a map API? What can he use it for?
If we leave aside the map applications themselves, basically every Internet user will come across map materials. For example, when he is looking for a branch of a company, accommodation (and the hotel portal shows him on the map where his hotels are located) or when he fills in the delivery address in the e-shop and the system whispers to him the city, street and reference number as he writes. The use of map materials is extremely broad and there are thousands of possibilities.
Why is it beneficial for website operators to use the map API?
Creating your own map materials is financially demanding. You need really high-quality resources, and you also need to count on frequent updates. That is why APIs from suppliers who have map data are used. One of them is the Czech Mapy.cz, which now offers a REST API.
So using an off-the-shelf map API is less expensive?
Sure, it's a common way to use maps on the web and in apps worldwide. Mapy.cz wants to support Czech projects, that's why it comes with a preferential tariff, which will allow small and medium-sized publicly available applications to function completely free of charge even for commercial use. For large projects, we offer cheaper prices compared to foreign competition.
In the case of our REST API, in addition to financial savings, we also offer quality data, the up-to-dateness of which is ensured by a 20-member cartographic editorial team. For domestic websites, the fact that Czech users know it very well can be a big advantage of using our API - they easily navigate the map, its appearance is readable for them. Another important aspect is API availability and reliability.
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What specific map REST API can and does it offer?
It will serve well for a wide range of projects. In addition to the basic map, there is also a tourist map, winter map or aerial photos. Everything is delivered in a standardized format of map tiles, which are used by widespread open source map libraries. The user can add their own points (for example, branches, dispensing points, etc.), plan routes or add other necessary layers. Panorama is also available, i.e. spherical photos of the entire Czech Republic, or an address prompter. And last but not least, its advantage is strong support - the REST API uses the same servers as Mapy.cz (or Seznam.cz), which is an extremely robust solution that serves millions of users daily.
Is the entire solution already available and has real users?
Yes, the REST API is already publicly available and anyone can try it on this linkIt is available with tutorials and a test lab, so people can get a good idea of the functionality of their project. After the initial operation in beta version already has hundreds of users who have built their projects on the REST API. For example, Rohlík.cz, Multisport, or the Plzeňský dopravní podnik uses it for route planning. Of course, it is also used by projects within Seznam, for example Sreality.cz.
