How can you use geospatial web services and APIs to optimize transportation?

1 Map services

Map services are web services that deliver map images or tiles based on requests from clients. They can help you visualize the geographic context of your transportation routes, locations, and events. You can use map services to display different types of maps, such as base maps, thematic maps, or interactive maps. Some examples of map services are Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, and ArcGIS Online. To use map services, you need to specify the parameters of your map request, such as the area, zoom level, format, and style, and send them to the map service URL. The map service will return the map image or tile that matches your request.

3 Geocoding services

Geocoding services are web services that convert addresses or place names into geographic coordinates, or vice versa. They can help you optimize transportation by enabling you to locate and identify your destinations and origins on a map. You can use geocoding services to get the latitude and longitude of an address, or the address of a latitude and longitude. Some examples of geocoding services are Google Geocoding, OpenStreetMap Nominatim, and ArcGIS World Geocoding. To use geocoding services, you need to specify the address or place name, or the latitude and longitude, and send them to the geocoding service URL. The geocoding service will return the matching geographic coordinates or address.

4 Spatial analysis services

Spatial analysis services are web services that perform complex geographic operations and calculations on spatial data, such as buffers, overlays, intersections, and distances. They can help you optimize transportation by enabling you to analyze and evaluate your transportation performance and impact. You can use spatial analysis services to measure the accessibility, coverage, connectivity, and suitability of your transportation network. Some examples of spatial analysis services are Google Maps Platform, Mapbox Analysis, and ArcGIS Spatial Analysis. To use spatial analysis services, you need to specify the input spatial data, such as points, lines, polygons, or rasters, and the analysis function, and send them to the spatial analysis service URL. The spatial analysis service will return the output spatial data or result.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?