Apple Maps extends to the web with MapKit JS beta
Apple is expanding what can be done with Apple Maps, announcing at WWDC 2018 that MapKit JS can be used to embed maps within a website, a function that has been offered by its competition for a considerable amount of time.
MapKit JS is a feature that has been used by Apple for some time, with it powering the maps viewable in the Find My iPhone function on iCloud.com, store searches on the Apple website, and the WWDC 2018 website. The same function is now able to be used by developers in beta, allowing it to be embedded on their own sites.
Functionally similar to the existing MapKit provided to iOS app developers, MapKit JS can display a defined map area of the developer's choosing, pinpoint locations in user searches, and navigational directions between two places. The only real difference between the two versions is that MapKit JS is a JavaScript API that renders within a browser, rather than within an app.
Developers can also add annotations and overlays to the map to customize it, with additional options to display a standard street map or satellite imagery. It is also possible for the map to enable or disable panning, zooming, and rotation, depending on what is required.
As part of its optimization for assorted browsers and device types, MapKit JS also supports standard touchscreen gestures, including pinch-to-zoom and two-finger rotation.
Most users on recent hardware will see the map rendered in WebGL, which provides smooth transitions when zooming, and more control over how labels and annotations work in relation to other map elements. For low-performance devices and other limiting situations, MapKit JS can automatically adapt to a mode that uses image tiles, an older map rendering technology.
Developers are required to sign up through their Apple Developer account and obtain a key, in order to use the MapKit JS beta. There is a free-usage limitation of 250,000 map initializations per key per day, as well as 25,000 service requests which covers geocoding and searches, with developers requiring higher allocations needing to contact Apple on the matter.
The introduction of MapKit JS brings Apple Maps in line with its online mapping rivals, as both Microsoft's Bing Maps and Google Maps already allow developers to embed maps in webpages.
MapKit JS is a feature that has been used by Apple for some time, with it powering the maps viewable in the Find My iPhone function on iCloud.com, store searches on the Apple website, and the WWDC 2018 website. The same function is now able to be used by developers in beta, allowing it to be embedded on their own sites.
Functionally similar to the existing MapKit provided to iOS app developers, MapKit JS can display a defined map area of the developer's choosing, pinpoint locations in user searches, and navigational directions between two places. The only real difference between the two versions is that MapKit JS is a JavaScript API that renders within a browser, rather than within an app.
Developers can also add annotations and overlays to the map to customize it, with additional options to display a standard street map or satellite imagery. It is also possible for the map to enable or disable panning, zooming, and rotation, depending on what is required.
As part of its optimization for assorted browsers and device types, MapKit JS also supports standard touchscreen gestures, including pinch-to-zoom and two-finger rotation.
Most users on recent hardware will see the map rendered in WebGL, which provides smooth transitions when zooming, and more control over how labels and annotations work in relation to other map elements. For low-performance devices and other limiting situations, MapKit JS can automatically adapt to a mode that uses image tiles, an older map rendering technology.
Developers are required to sign up through their Apple Developer account and obtain a key, in order to use the MapKit JS beta. There is a free-usage limitation of 250,000 map initializations per key per day, as well as 25,000 service requests which covers geocoding and searches, with developers requiring higher allocations needing to contact Apple on the matter.
The introduction of MapKit JS brings Apple Maps in line with its online mapping rivals, as both Microsoft's Bing Maps and Google Maps already allow developers to embed maps in webpages.
Comments
So, not only am I unfamiliar with my surroundings Apple wants me to find where the F’n sun is?
Maybe I’ll give Apple Maps a try in another few years... when they figure out how to use Left/Right for directions.
Maybe Apple will do better with their website embedded maps...
I’ve never been told to turn to a point in the compass. It’s alwasy “turn left” or “turn right”. Sometimes, when it’s appropriate, it will be “turn right onto Route 95 North” but not once has it said, “turn north”. Even when I’m “off-road” the directions are “proceed to the highlighted route”, not “proceed north to the highlighted route”.
I call BS.
I use Apple Maps regularly and I always get left & right turn notices. I don't even think I've ever been told to turn "East". On the major freeways near me (4-5 lanes) it also gives me advance warning to get into the right two lanes (for example) with a clear graphic showing all the lanes and which ones I should be in. I also get orange and red lines on my maps that clearly show where traffic is heavy.
My wife (a nurse who does out patient visits) also uses Apple Maps multiple times per day and finds it very accurate.
2012 called and want their meme back.
I'd suggest you give Apple maps another shot (if you're actually being honest) as your characterization sounds completely ridiculous, as a heavy user of the app that relies on it all the time. But something tells me you're full of it.
2) years of stagnation, yet you claim you have a X, AirPods, HomePod, iPad Pro, Watch...all amazing products that lead in their categories (yup, even the HP, its audio tech is much more advanced). Opposite of stagnation.
3) If you feel you’re being victimized by Apple, why are you still here? What’s stopping you from getting a Dell and a Pixel and some chinese knockoff AirPods? Why are you letting yourself be a victim over and over?
What’s the value for Apple to do so? To get directions I use my iphone and native Maps. If at my desktop Mac I use Maps and then push them to my iphone.
Even so, such stupidity in passing incorrect judgement warrants no benefit.
I'd love for that to open into an Apple Maps website so that 1) everything is consistent, 2) Google not getting any additional data on users, and 3) no ads. It would also allow those that can't spend all day on iOS or macOS, like those that use Windows or Linux at work to be able to access Apple Maps directly in a browser. Again, the benefits are consistency, a lack of tracking, and no ads.