Google updates iOS Maps SDK to v1.1, adds polylines, more
updated 06:47 pm EST, Thu February 21, 2013
Ground overlays, viewing gesture controls added for developers
On Thursday, Google revealed version 1.1 of its Google Maps SDK for iOS, offering hooks for developers to tap into new features they can offer in their own apps by connecting any mapping functions to Google Maps. In addition to the revised SDK, Google also changed the requirements -- now letting any developer use the kit immediately rather than having to register first. The new SDK brings ground overlays, viewing gesture controls and polylines for complex pathing.
A video that outlines the major features (seen below) explains that devs can use basic Google maps, including the street data and satellite imagery -- along with access to Google various other location-aware services. The new ground overlays let developers place any image over the top of the map's own imagery, such as custom flags or arrows.
The video also demonstrates how to incorporate zooming and panning using standard iOS gestures, and the company notes that the SDK now includes polylines, useful for coding complex pathing assets, reports AppleInsider. The upgraded SDK should do much to bring the same Google Map features to developers as are present in the Android SDK.
The SDK keys are now available to all interested developers through the Google API console. Registrations for this SDK are no longer required, a move that will likely spur adoption. Many apps that rely on map data within their own applications use Apple's own MapKit API, which has seen steady improvements.
