MapQuest OpenAPI Offers Core Set of Mapping, Routing and Geocoding
Tools
Developers' Challenge Awards Prizes for Most Creative OpenAPI Mashup
MapQuest today announced the initial release of mapping and routing technology available to Web developers for free. Called MapQuest OpenAPI, it will provide a core set of mapping, geocoding and routing tools for non-commercial use.
“In keeping with MapQuest's commitment to offering our users mapping technology that is both helpful and easy to use, OpenAPI represents our initial step to provide developers with a simple way to access all the core tools -- routing included -- necessary to create truly useful mashups.”
Using OpenAPI's routing capabilities, Web developers can now create a mashup that not only displays locations on a customized MapQuest map, but that also includes driving directions, all using a single, integrated platform. For example, a developer could create a mashup geared toward wine enthusiasts that displays all the vineyards in Napa Valley on a single map, and that provides driving directions to specific vineyards according to their wine preferences.
"MapQuest believes in the power of opening up mapping technology to drive practical innovation and creativity," said Jim Greiner, VP and GM of MapQuest. "In keeping with MapQuest's commitment to offering our users mapping technology that is both helpful and easy to use, OpenAPI represents our initial step to provide developers with a simple way to access all the core tools -- routing included -- necessary to create truly useful mashups."
In addition to OpenAPI, MapQuest continues to offer more robust, licensable solutions that provide business and large enterprise customers with the tools to build advanced mapping, routing and search functionality into their Web and wireless applications.
As part of the OpenAPI launch, MapQuest also announced a Developers Challenge, in which Web developers can compete to build the most creative mashup that leverages the mapping and routing functionality of OpenAPI. The contest begins March 7 and runs through the end of March with the winner being announced in mid April. The winning contestant will receive a $1,000 cash prize, and a trip to the Where 2.0 Conference in San Jose, Calif., from June 13-14. For more information on the contest, including Official Rules and how to enter, go to mapquest.com/openapi.
About MapQuest
MapQuest helps people find places. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado and Mountville, Pennsylvania, MapQuest offers Internet, Mobile, Business Solutions, and Published products worldwide. MapQuest.com, both the top mapping and directories site on the Web according to comScore Media Metrix, served more than 42 million users in January, 2006. MapQuest also empowers more than 1,400 businesses with software solutions to location-enable Web and wireless applications, and is a leading publisher and provider of mapping content for other publishers and corporations, producing more than 1.5 billion pages of printed maps every year. MapQuest is a wholly owned subsidiary of America Online, Inc.
About America Online, Inc.
America Online, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Brands include the AOL(R) service, the AOL.com(R) website, and the AIM(R), MapQuest(R), Moviefone(R), Netscape(R), CompuServe(R) and ICQ(R) services. America Online offers a range of digital services including the TotalTalk(R) voice service. The company also has operations in Canada and Europe. America Online, Inc. is based in Dulles, Virginia, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
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