Google equipping developers with Maps Tracks, Geolocation APIs

While Apple continues to rework its maps strategy, Google's mapping solutions portfolio only seems to get more well-rounded.

Today's release is targeted towards developers in the form of two new APIs for Google Maps with different ways of using GPS data.

Here's a breakdown on the two APIs:

• Google Maps Tracks API: Can be used to build apps that can store, display and analyze GPS data on a map. Built on top of Google's cloud infrastructure, this API also includes geo-fencing, in which an organization can outline a virtual region on a map in order to notify a device when it enters or exits a predefined area.
• Google Maps Geolocation API: With this tool, the app or device can determine its own location by looking up the locations of nearby Wi-Fi access points and cell towers -- without using GPS. Thus, by limiting GPS usage, the goal is to save battery life while enabling work indoors and in remote areas.

Google Maps product manager Nabil Naghdy explained on the official Google Enterprise blog on Wednesday that "map-based information is useful for any business that relies on a fleet of vehicles, employees who travel, or other mobile resources."

Today, more than 800,000 developers worldwide use Google Maps APIs to create their own applications based on the unique capabilities of Google Maps. With the launch of Google Maps Tracks API and Google Maps Geolocation API, companies can use real-time location-based information to make their operation run more smoothly and efficiently.

These Google Maps APIs are available for businesses now.

Image via The Official Google Enterprise Blog