New Google Maps Android API Features Vector-Based 3D Maps, Indoor Maps and More

Janet Wagner, December 4th, 2012

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Google has announced the launch of Google Maps Android API v2 featuring interactive, vector-based maps that support 2D and 3D views. Developers can use the new version of the Google Maps Android API to create feature-rich, beautifully designed Android apps.

Image Credit: Google

Google Maps Android API v2 includes many new features that have been requested by Android app developers. According to the Android Developers Blog post and the API documentation, some of the features of the new Maps for Android API include:

• Vector-based Maps that support 2D and 3D views as well as allow app users to easily tilt and rotate maps.
• Indoor Maps for many major airports and shopping centers can now be included in third-party Android apps.
• Map Fragments are now supported. Maps are now encapsulated in the MapFragment class so developers can implement them by extending the Android standard Activity class.
• Vector Tiles are now used for Android maps making data representation smaller and use less bandwidth.

Google also announced that Google Maps Android API v2 is now being distributed through the new Google Play services v2.0 (supporting devices from Froyo onwards).

Developers interested in using Google Maps Android API v2 can find more information in the documentation available on the API site.