Enhancements allow for more effective map branding for apps

Google has put out some enhancements to its Google Maps API. Two years ago, it launched Styled Maps, which allowed developers to change the visuals of an API-called map to match the site or app it is being used on. The new updates, according to the Google Geo Developers blog, allow for further customization of maps, and also introduces an updated Styled Maps Wizard to show off its new capabilities.

Precise color values can be selected for individual aspects of the style, allowing for adjustments in hue, saturation, lightness, and gamma. Outline strokes of features can be styled separately from interior fill, and the width of lines in general can be altered.

Current stylized versions of the Google Maps API include TeleGeography's Submarine Cable Map and the New York Times online feature for tracking taxi flow across the city, although these use the pre-enhancement version of Styled Maps.

Earlier this month, Google revealed other improvements for Google Maps, including offline maps for Android, increased usage of Street View for off-road areas, and an expansion of its user-editable Map Maker feature.

by MacNN Staff