With iOS 6 the Maps app is dropping Google Maps. The terms of the Google Maps SDK states that if you plot directions with their service you must show it on their map. Since this will no longer be the case I need to explore other options to get directions and display routes on a map.
I have found that MapQuest and Nokia each offer an API to provide direction and routing services.
- MapQuest – http://open.mapquestapi.com/directions/
- Nokia – http://api.maps.nokia.com/en/apireference/2.2.0/symbols/nokia.maps.routing.html
I also see OpenStreetMap has a list of online routing services with varying levels of support for various locations and some are in pre-release state.
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Routing/online_routers
I have not done much with routing before I would like to find a primer on mapping software that covers the basics. A big question I have is for curves in routes. I only know about coordinates for maps. I am not aware of a way to define a route along a curve, unless that means using a lot of coordinates to draw the curve. I’d appreciation some explanation of what to do for curves. An option for known routes such as roads as well as sidewalks and walking paths would be ideal. A basic primer on plotting directions along known routes would be most helpful.
All help is appreciated. I know lots of developers preparing apps for iOS 6 will be looking into services for directions and routes and I hope the information gathered with this question will help provide a starting point for them.
The MapQuest iOS Maps API includes routing functionality. It might be worth a look?
MapQuest also offers a JavaScript API (which supports mobile devices) and Mobile Flash API (using the Flex SDK to create native iOS and Android apps) as well, which are essentially wrappers for the core MapQuest Web Services, including the Directions service that you already mentioned.
Hope this is helpful!