Geoapify news and updates

What's new

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates about the Geoapify Location Platform.

This is your go-to source for information on new features, important announcements, and other helpful resources related to Geoapify.

November 2024

5 November 2024

Enhanced Netherlands Address Search Support in the Autocomplete API

We have enhanced the Autocomplete API to include searching by postcode and house number specifically for addresses in the Netherlands. This update significantly improves precision and the overall user experience for location searches within the region. This functionality can be accessed using filter=countrycode:nl in your requests.

To illustrate, here is an example of a request URL:

https://api.geoapify.com/v1/geocode/autocomplete?text=3012%20CL%2C%2025&limit=5&filter=countrycode:nl&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY

Support for UN/LOCODE Codes in the Geocoding and Autocomplete APIs

We are excited to announce that both the Geocoding API and the Autocomplete API now support searches using UN/LOCODE codes. This enhancement enables users to find locations more efficiently and consistently by leveraging standardized UN/LOCODEs.

For example, you can use the following request URL to search with UN/LOCODE:

https://api.geoapify.com/v1/geocode/search?text=US%20JBE&format=json&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY

To learn more about UN/LOCODE and its applications, please refer to UN/LOCODE documentation.

September 2024

30 September 2024

We Added the "confidence_building_level" to Geocoding/Autocomplete Results

We have added a new property called confidence_building_level as part of the Geocoding/Autocomplete response. This enhancement provides more granular information about the validation confidence specifically at the building level, helping differentiate address validation between the building, street, and city levels.

How confidence_building_level works:

  • confidence_building_level = 1: The building is fully confirmed.
  • confidence_building_level = 0: The building is not found, but the street and city may still be valid.
  • 0 < confidence_building_level < 1: There are doubts about the exact position of the building.

Here is an example of usage for address validation:

let message = '';

if (foundAddress.properties.rank.confidence === 1) {
  message = `We verified the address you entered. The formatted address is: ${foundAddress.properties.formatted}`;
} else if (foundAddress.properties.rank.confidence_street_level === 1 && foundAddress.properties.rank.confidence_building_level === 0) {
  message = `We verified the address up to street level, but the building could not be found: ${foundAddress.properties.formatted}`;
} else if (foundAddress.properties.rank.confidence_street_level === 1 && foundAddress.properties.rank.confidence_building_level > 0 && foundAddress.properties.rank.confidence_building_level < 1) {
  message = `The address is valid up to street level, but there are doubts about the building's exact position: ${foundAddress.properties.formatted}`;
} else if (foundAddress.properties.rank.confidence_street_level === 1) {
  message = `We can confirm the address up to street level: ${foundAddress.properties.formatted}`;
} else {
  message = `We can only verify your address partially. The address we found is ${foundAddress.properties.formatted}`;
}

May 2024

20 May 2024

Introducing Enhanced Map Customization and Functionality

We're excited to introduce some major updates to enhance your mapping experience:

  • Custom Map Style Customization: We've listened to your feedback and are thrilled to announce that we've added the ability to customize map styles in our Static Maps API. Now, you can tailor the look and feel of your maps to match your unique preferences or branding.

Here is an example of customized map picture: Static map with customized style

Here is an example of a map URL with style customization:

https://maps.geoapify.com/v1/staticmap?style=osm-bright&width=600&height=400&center=lonlat:-122.300301,47.522805&zoom=14&styleCustomization=background:%23caa27b|water:%23cedbe7|water-pattern:none|waterway-name:%233f5a75|highway-name-major:27&scaleFactor=2&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY
  • Improved Map Playground: Our Map Playground just got even better! You can now dynamically change map styles interactively within the Playground. Not only does this allow you to see immediate visual changes, but the Playground also generates Static Maps API URLs and code snippets for updating styles in interactive maps. It's never been easier to experiment with different map aesthetics.

Here is an example of a customization code for interactive maps:

map.on('load', () => {
    map.setPaintProperty('background', 'background-color', '#cdc2b8');
    map.setPaintProperty('landcover-grass', 'fill-color', '#daf4c0');
    map.setPaintProperty('place-town', 'text-color', '#4f3516');
    map.setLayoutProperty('place-town', 'text-size', {"base":1.2,"stops":[[10,27.416666666666664],[15,47]]});
    map.setLayoutProperty('place-city', 'text-size', {"base":1.2,"stops":[[7,15.166666666666668],[11,26]]});
    map.setLayoutProperty('place-city-capital', 'text-size', {"base":1.2,"stops":[[7,14.583333333333334],[11,25]]});
    map.setLayoutProperty('place-country-other', 'text-size', {"stops":[[3,11.647058823529411],[7,18]]});
});
  • Support for POST Requests in Static Maps: Say goodbye to URL-length limits! We've implemented support for POST requests in our Static Maps API, enabling you to create map images with complex geometries without being constrained by URL length restrictions. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating detailed and intricate map visuals.

These updates are designed to empower you with more flexibility and control over your mapping projects. We can't wait to see how you utilize these new features!

February 2024

7 February 2024

Introducing the max_speed Parameter to Our Suite of Routing APIs

We are excited to announce the addition of the max_speed parameter to our comprehensive range of routing services, including the Routing API, Route Matrix API, Route Planner API, and Isoline API. This innovative feature is designed to enhance your routing capabilities, offering more personalized and efficient navigation solutions.

Key Benefits of the max_speed Parameter:

  • Customized Routing: With the max_speed parameter, users can now set a maximum travel speed for their routes.
  • Efficiency and Realism: The inclusion of a max_speed setting contributes to more realistic route planning. It takes into account the vehicle's maximum speed capability, ensuring that the estimated arrival times are more accurate and that routes are optimized for time and fuel efficiency.
  • Versatile Application: Applicable across various modes of transport, including all truck modes and buses, the max_speed parameter is a versatile tool for a wide range of routing needs, from commercial logistics to personal travel planning.

We believe that this new feature will significantly enhance the user experience by providing more control over route planning and optimization.

November 2023

8 November 2023

Postcodes Dataset Unveiled

Elevate your location-based projects with our Open Postcodes Dataset.

We curate open data from various sources, both official and non-official, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate collection of postal code information. Whether you're crafting geocoding solutions, optimizing routes, or enhancing user experiences, our dataset, sourced from diverse and open data streams, provides a rich foundation.

1 November 2023

Introducing New "Recycling" Categories in Places API

In a bid to enhance your location-based experiences, we're thrilled to introduce three new categories to our Places API — "service.recycling", "service.recycling.container", "service.recycling.bin", and "service.recycling.centre".

Here is an example of an API URL:

https://api.geoapify.com/v2/places?categories=service.recycling.centre&filter=rect:32.954431,34.754873,33.109805,34.640372&limit=20&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY

September 2023

11 September 2023

OSM's Settlements Dataset

Explore the dynamic world of settlements with our Settlements Dataset, derived directly from OpenStreetMap (OSM). From bustling cities to serene villages, this collection offers a comprehensive view of urban landscapes.

Whether it's for research or commercial use, this dataset guides you through the intricate patterns of urban living.

July 2023

10 July 2023

Introducing Plus Codes for Enhanced Geocoding

We're excited to announce the integration of Plus Codes into our Geocoding API! With this update, the Geocoding API response now includes Plus Codes, a convenient way to encode locations.

In addition, the Geocoding API now accepts Plus Codes as input and returns the corresponding address information. This means you can utilize Plus Codes as an alternative to traditional address formats, simplifying the geocoding process and improving the overall user experience.

7 July 2023

Enhanced Autocomplete: French Department Code Support

We're delighted to introduce an exciting enhancement to our autocomplete feature! With the latest update, when using autocomplete with bias or filter set to France, the API returns French Department by the corresponding French Department code. For example, if you send "08" as an input for the Autocomplete API, it will return "Ardennes, France."

To enable this feature, set the "bias=countrycode:fr" or "filter=countrycode:fr" parameter. Here is an example URL:

https://api.geoapify.com/v1/geocode/autocomplete?text=08&bias=countrycode:fr&format=json&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY

May 2023

9 May 2023

Introducing New Categories to Our Places API for Enhanced Social Inclusion

We're excited to announce the addition of several new categories to our Places API! These new categories include "service.social_facility", "service.social_facility.shelter", "service.social_facility.food", "service.social_facility.clothes", "amenity.give_box", "amenity.give_box.food", and "amenity.give_box.books".

The "service.social_facility" category includes locations that provide social services to people in need, such as counseling, support groups, and other types of assistance. The sub-categories under this category, such as "shelter", "food", and "clothes", help to specify the type of assistance provided by each location. Here is an example of an API URL:

https://api.geoapify.com/v2/places?categories=amenity.give_box&filter=rect:1.9551667274513598,49.11083222569353,2.6462152224779167,48.65832480785126&limit=20&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY

The "amenity.give_box" category includes locations where people can donate or leave items for others to take for free, such as books or food items. The sub-categories under this category, such as "food" and "books", specify the types of items that are available for donation. Here is an example of an API URL:

https://api.geoapify.com/v2/places?categories=religion.place_of_worship&filter=rect:2.238261781728731,48.914334683358526,2.4285652756822813,48.78963839210784&limit=20&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY

We believe that these new categories will help developers to create more comprehensive and inclusive applications that cater to the needs of a wider audience. We're excited to see the innovative ways in which our customers will utilize these new categories in their location-based applications.

November 2022

7 November 2022

We've added a new category that will help you find places that produce something

The new "production" category and its "production.factory", "production.winery", "production.brewery", "production.cheese", "production.pottery" subcategories are available now in Places API.

For example, you can query all breweries in Munich now:

https://api.geoapify.com/v2/places?categories=production.brewery&filter=place:51c69eecf83f18274059dd3ad3f89a134840f00101f901dcf3000000000000c002099203084dc3bc6e6368656e&limit=20&apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY

This will return:

Breweries in Munich with Places API

October 2022

24 October 2022

Improved navigation in the API Documentation

We've made navigation in our API Documentation portal easier and more convenient. In the API Documentation, you can read the detailed documentation for our APIs and try them without registration.

Go to API Documentation >>

September 2022

28 September 2022

New code samples generator

We've made the API Playground even better. You can now generate code samples in the playground, including CURL, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, and more:

Code samples in the API Playground

Try it out >>

20 September 2022

Timezones added

We've added information about time zones to the Geocoding / Reverse Geocoding / Address Autocomplete / Place Details results. The time zone data includes names, time zone offsets for standard and daylight saving times, and abbreviations. Here is an example of a time zone object:

{
  "timezone": {
    "name": "Europe/London",
    "offset_STD": "+00:00",
    "offset_STD_seconds": 0,
    "offset_DST": "+01:00",
    "offset_DST_seconds": 3600,
    "abbreviation_STD": "GMT",
    "abbreviation_DST": "BST"
  }
}

You can test the functionality with Geocoding API Playground >>

Next steps