Announcing the Mapbox Navigation SDK v1.0 for Android
By: Antonio Zugaldia
The Mapbox Navigation SDK for Android provides all the tools necessary to build a turn-by-turn navigation experience within an application, whether it is for package delivery, for curbside pickup, or an automotive head-unit.
The SDK includes all the components developers need to create a navigation app including accurately positioning the driver on the map, displaying real-time progress along a route, and providing audio and visual guidance for maneuvers.
Today, Mapbox is releasing the public beta of core Navigation SDK v.1.0 for Android. This upgrade features a higher accuracy location engine which functions even in low GPS quality scenarios such as tunnels or overpasses, free-drive mode which enables accurate location positioning even without an active route for daily commuting, a new modular architecture that allows developers to customize the navigation experience for their use case, and MAUs-based billing that provides predictability in costs to developers.
Improved position accuracy
GPS signals can sometimes be unreliable, resulting in stalled directions and driver confusion, especially when surrounded by tall buildings, inside a tunnel or when trying to navigate a network of overlapping highway overpasses.
The location engine inside the SDK has been updated to address unreliable GPS signals in these conditions by continually filtering and processing the location input to provide a more accurate representation of a driver’s true location. Where GPS signals are unavailable, the SDK now uses dead reckoning algorithms to extrapolate current location so that drivers can continue to navigate without interruption.
Free-drive mode
In familiar areas, like on daily commutes, drivers may not need a full turn-by-turn experience, but do want to see changing traffic conditions or use the map to orient themselves. With free-drive mode, developers can use the SDK’s location engine to accurately center the map on the driver’s current location without providing active turn-by-turn navigation and render nearby POIs, traffic, and custom data layers.
New modular architecture
To enable easier development, the SDK has been re-architected into three main modules — Router, Trip notifications, and Logger, which provide the base functionality for a navigation experience. Each module has a default implementation so developers can get started quickly. The modules can also be customized to meet a developer’s business and user needs by attaching the `@MapboxModule` annotation to the implementation.
Router provides functionality to send, maintain and cancel a route request. A delivery company that has contracted drivers who bring their own devices may choose to optimize route request frequency for data and battery savings.
Trip notification provides interfaces for information displayed to the driver during active navigation. A logistics company might modify the Trip notification to remind the driver to obtain a signature upon package delivery.
Logger provides functionality to record events and metrics. A developer can customize it to capture metrics such as number of re-routes, route start latency or bandwidth profile along a route.
“CarrierTrack Technologies chose to build on the Mapbox Navigation SDK because it was the only solution on the market we found capable of supporting the custom features and functionality needed for our newspaper delivery application, CarrierTrack. The customizability that we are able to achieve with the Navigation SDK allows us to quickly and efficiently onboard new routes and drivers, decreasing the total time it takes to launch with new customers.”
— Jeff Fasseel, President — CarrierTrack Technologies, LLC
MAUs based billing
To allow developers to better predict and manage their cost, we are introducing MAU (monthly active user) based billing. Developers can estimate their costs based on active users without worrying about seasonal usage patterns or overages due to a higher volume of API requests.
This new billing is a pay-as-you-go pricing method which requires no upfront commitments or annual contracts. It includes Directions and Maps API requests, which power the SDK’s functionality. Developers who wish to use Directions API based billing may still do so by calling the APIs directly from within their apps.
Please review the developer documentation to start building with the Mapbox Navigation SDK v1.0 for Android.
Already use an older version of the Navigation SDK? Check out the migration guide to upgrade your application.
“Maps feature data from Mapbox and OpenStreetMap and their data partners.”
