In the world of apps the king of features is. This is due to our collective need for connectivity is without limitations in the digital age. According to an now-legendary research there are more smartphones than toothbrushes. Nowadays an average Android user reads their phone messages each day for 12 minutes. However the creation of a successful application is still a difficult task. Even though it is true that there exist 2.5 million apps in the store for apps but the average user is using just 9 apps frequently.
To be competitive for attention, your app has to be distinctive. In fact 60% of people would like they could have more features in their preferred apps. If you can fill your app with entertaining important features, you’re likely to secure an coveted position on in the upper rungs of an application list. The same is true for web-based apps.
There’s nothing that compares to maps. In today’s world of location-based services geospatial information is gold. If your customers utilize it as a navigation tool or your partners provide it as a search-based tool for their clients interactive maps could transform your business.
Below, we’ll discuss mapping tools and embeddable maps that you can integrate into your app to let users know exactly where they’re supposed to get to. Instead of forcing users to rely on a different map application to pinpoint the location of your application, users will just find you via your application. This makes life easier for them, which will result in lower churn rate for you.
What are Embeddable Mapping Tools?
We’ve used our smartphones and called Google or Siri for directions to the closest McDonald’s. We all have utilized Google Maps (or MapQuest) to help us navigate our unfamiliar streets. While no one is sure the amount Google put into the development of its extremely complex Google Maps software however, we think the numbers could have been staggering. However, the efforts of Google have yielded enormous dividends.
You can utilize Google Maps, Bing, and OpenStreetMap for free in your application. In essence, you’re getting billions of dollars worth of R&D at no cost. Embeddable mapping tools are bits of code that you can insert into the app to provide users with maps capabilities. The question isn’t about whether these tools generate an amount. The real question is what are the benefits of the chance to include maps into your application without cost? It’s not expensive and your users avoid the time of searching for a map app.
We’ve also observed these maps being used in fascinating ways. Lego and Chrome joined forces to create Build with Chrome which made mapping more gamified by allowing users to create Lego objects using Google Maps. There are also travel apps that offer discounts when you’re close to partnered companies. We’ve observed how on-demand gig economy services utilize maps to improve the experience of customers.
How do you integrate the ability to map your application?
Three Options to embed Interactive Maps in Your Web/Mobile App
There are three main choices for mapping software: Google, Bing, or OpenStreetMap.
1. Google Maps
Google Maps is the de actual map service all over the globe. Every day, more than a billion users utilize Google Maps to navigate their routes around town. If it weren’t the China’s Great Firewall, Google Maps could be the most-used map tool in every country. The secret is that embedding Google maps into your web app will take less than 3 minutes. This is how:
Open Google Maps.
Click on your map (or Street View) of your area.
Click the Menu (top right).
Click to share and embed the map.
Maps that you can embed.
Choose the size you prefer by clicking the downward right arrow that is just to the right of the field for text.
Take a copy of the HTML code. Paste it into your website application.
That’s it! You can also make use of Google Maps Platform to add an API to your application or web-based app an option to consider for those who want to provide more advanced maps capabilities.
Google Maps is, by all accounts, the most used mapping tool. However, it’s by no means your sole choice.
Click here for your Google Map iframe code.
2. Bing
Bing Maps may be in second position in the “mapping competition.” But this doesn’t mean that it’s inferior in comparison to Google Maps. In fact, Bing offers an API that is user-friendly and high-resolution maps, and almost all the features of Google Maps. While it does not have bike routes, or as many places however, it gets the task completed. It is possible to use the Bing Embed Map tool to generate the map of your current area on your application.
All all things considered, Bing does some things better than Google. We love its comprehensive directions for travel, updates on traffic and traffic camera photos. Also, Bing isn’t in second-place in terms of features, it’s just branding. However, there’s an enormous negative to Bing that is it provides an unsatisfactory mobile experience an app for maps. Google Maps dominates mobile (it almost completely controls the market). Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind when embedding a map into your web application. We strongly would recommend Google for mobile applications.
3. OpenStreetMap
In the case of number 3 it is possible to include some other choices. The majority of people will choose Bing and Google. However, there are appealing alternatives like TomTom, Waze, and HERE WeGo. However, OpenStreetMap has a particular benefit we’d like to emphasize It’s an open-source. Therefore, millions of users around the world often update OpenStreetMap data. This means it could be the most up-to-date map available on the Internet.
There are, of course, drawbacks with OpenStreetMap. It doesn’t include satellite imagery or StreetView. However, its precision and open-source backbone makes it the most popular choice in TripAdvisor, FourSquare, and Uber. To embed OpenStreetMaps, you simply:
Go to openstreetmap
Choose the section you would like to display.
Click on the share button.
Click on the “HTML” choice.
Click “Add an item on the map.”
You can copy and paste the HTML text inside this box (starts with an iframe).
Copy this code in your website application.
OpenStreetMaps also provides a wide range of user-created libraries in case you’re looking to add them to your mobile application.