Efficient multi-stop routes with the Optimization API
By Will White
Today we’re launching the Optimization API, which lets you quickly optimize multi-stop itineraries. You can pass up to 12 locations to the API and it will return the optimal order for making the stops based on travel time. You’ll also get detailed instructions for turn-by-turn guidance and accurate ETA predictions for each stop.
We built this API to power apps providing on-demand delivery, transportation, or logistics services. Saucey, an app providing on-demand alcohol delivery in five American cities, uses the Optimization API to hit their 30-minute delivery commitment to their customers. Once a courier picks up products at a liquor store, Saucey hits the Optimization API from their servers to determine the most efficient way to drop-off the items.
Another app, Barkly, connects dog owners to safe and reliable dog walkers. Barkly uses the Optimization API to help walkers plan their daily schedule and warns walkers if they’re about to take on too much work for a single day. And because the Optimization API works on walking routes, it can be used to plan the dog walks themselves too.
Here’s an example request that optimizes the order of visiting three locations:
https://api.mapbox.com/optimized-trips/v1/mapbox/driving/-122.42,37.78;-122.45,37.91;-122.48,37.73?access_token=your-access-tokenThe Optimization API is even more powerful when combined with our mobile Navigation SDK. You can plan complex routes using the Optimization API and then help drivers execute those plans with a custom turn-by-turn guidance interface built right into the driver’s app. You can add and remove stops in response to changing customer orders and there’s no need for drivers to fumble with their phone to switch to a third-party navigation app, which leads to increased safety and efficiency. This navigation also includes real-time traffic, thereby helping drivers avoid congestion and get more deliveries done faster.
This API joins a growing list of Mapbox tools that support use cases for on-demand logistics. Ride-sharing platform TapRide, which provides mobile ride-hailing and dispatching for privately operated fleets, uses Mapbox for map display and traffic-based routing to help find the best route and accurately predict an ETA for customers.
Learn more about the Optimization API in the docs or see how we’re helping businesses solve logistics problems.
