DEF showcases Telogis website mapping solution
Jul
Imagine being able to plan your entire route online, across town or even interstate. After you add your start and stop points, the website plots your journey. You get a detailed output explaining your journey, information that answers questions such as the distance between the two points, how long the trip will take (according to posted speed limits) and the turn-by-turn directions to get there.
You might not think that’s anything startling, you could get that using Google Maps but this is where the Telogis® GeoBase™ mapping API starts to really stand out, and why DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluids) chose to use the Telogis GeoBase business mapping program to power their website’s powerful search feature.
Using the GeoBase API (download a free trial), DEF were able to build an advanced mapping tool that takes advantage of some of the superior features offered by GeoBase, including road restrictions.
For example, when planning your journey you can specify the dimensions and weight of your truck, even the cargo you are carrying, e.g. hazardous materials, as this will affect which roads you can use.
There are a huge number of options available to drivers to customize and plan their journey including:
- Cargo type
- Fastest or shortest route preferred
- Road crossings (or left-hand turns) discouraged or forbidden
- U-turns or toll roads are permitted
- Vehicle specifications including weight, axles, height and length of the truck
DEF incorporated GeoBase’s smart routing software with its own business mapping needs, pinpointing locations of DEF suppliers along the route being taken. It took a step further by allowing drivers customize which suppliers were displayed, filtering by truck access, store type or opening hours and DEF delivery options.
DEF supplier stores are listed with full details, and are linked from both the map and their main listing, providing great flexibility for the user as well as brilliant branding opportunities for suppliers.
Telogis GeoBase mapping program – Great for drivers and developers
The DEF website is a great example of how GeoBase can be used to build useful, engaging websites, proving that it’s more than just a tool for developers of asset management programs. Website developers can use GeoBase to create routing tools, business location systems and other GIS services to visitors, customers or staff alike.
When businesses realize that to survive they need to be easily found, there will be greater demand on web developers to build applications that make it easy for users to find relevant businesses and get directions to the door. This demand will only grow stronger as more internet users access the web via mobile devices, tapping in to ‘near me’ services that can be used in real-time.
Mapping software you can trust
Telogis products are built on years of experience in GIS services and telematics, setting themselves apart as leaders in the field, providing users with a leading-edge, premium product. Telogis only partner with the best data providers including NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas. While some map providers are being targeted for problems relating to use of customer data and privacy issues, Telogis offer secure, confidential data storage options.
So, if you’re a driver wanting to find an easy way to locate products or services nearby, then hopefully you can expect to see more of these helpful websites, like DEF, becoming available.
If you’re a developer looking for a fully-customizable mapping program, API or SDK then Telogis GeoBase can offer a professional solution to solve your client’s business mapping needs.
