Google Maps & Places APIs upgraded with Heatmap Layers, Reviews, & Transit!

Google has expanded the features of Google Maps and Places APIs and has added a number of interesting upgrades. This was announced in the Google I/O Developers conference. The Google Maps API now boasts of the much asked for Transit directions and information. As Google has been quoted, “You can now use it in both the Google Maps Javascript v3 and the Directions Web Service. It's simple for you to update your apps to also offer routing by public transit in addition to driving, bicycling, and walking. The transit route responses include the number of stops, direction of travel and more. It will also tell you what type of vehicle you will be travelling on.”

Another addition to Google Maps API is the feature ‘Symbols’. This feature allows developers to exact more control over the styling of maps items like push pins, arrows and more. It is a visualization feature and Google showed its implementation by changing the regular air traffic data in to the form of small airplane icons flying across the U.S. map.

Reviews are also available now in the Google Places API. The search engine plans to add full Zagat review data to the API. Presently the developers will have access provided to the top five reviews given to a business listing.

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Navneet Kaushal

Navneet Kaushal is the founder and CEO of PageTraffic, one of the oldest SEO Company with offices in Chicago, New Delhi and London. A leading search strategist, Navneet helps clients maintain an edge in search engines and the online media. Navneet's expertise has established PageTraffic as one of the most awarded and successful search marketing agencies.