New Google Maps Android API Arrives

The long rumoured update to the Google Maps Android API has arrived.

Last month the Recrusive Penguin blog did a little delving into the code of NianticLabs' Field Trip application for Android and discovered that it used an unpublished v2 of the Maps Android API. The great news for Android developers is that the v2 API is now available to developers.

The new API uses vector-based maps that support 2D and 3D views, and allow users to tilt and rotate the map with simple gestures. The 3D views in the new API can be seen in action in another NianticLabs app, the popular Ingress location game (screenshot above).

The Google Geo Developers Blog reports that the updated API includes features offering:

• More dynamic and flexible UI designs for large screen Android devices, such as tablets, using Android Fragments

• Adding more Google Maps layers in their apps including satellite, hybrid, terrain, traffic and now indoor maps for many major airports and shopping centers

• The ability to create markers and info windows with less code

The Trulia Real Estate android application is updating tomorrow to the new API. The Trulia Blog has released some screenshots that reveal some of the new designs that are possible with the Maps Android API v2.



Via: The Google Geo Developers Blog