Map Suite Routing, released

ThinkGeo has released an initial public beta of Map Suite Routing, a new extension for their Map Suite 3.0 family of GIS software developer components for .NET. Map Suite Routing makes it easy for developers to add routing features to their Map Suite applications, including turn-by-turn directions, waypoint support and area avoidance. Now, developers can deliver a whole new level of features and functionality to their customers through their Map Suite GIS projects.

Map Suite Routing can quickly and easily plot routes based on a number of factors, such as shortest distance vs. fastest travel time, and can utilise a variety of algorithms including Dijkstra, A* and Bidirectional. It supports adding stops or waypoints along the route, can avoid areas by routing around shapes, and can generate turn-by-turn directions for driving or even pedestrian travel. It can also calculate service areas based on an average speed and a maximum travel time.

Additionally, Map Suite Routing builds upon the extensibility and customisation offered in Map Suite's core products by giving developers the ability to implement their own routing algorithms and data sources as needed. Map Suite developers can also generate routes based on custom conditions, limited only by the detail available in their data source.

Map Suite Routing comes with a complete set of sample applications, each with full source code, that enable developers to start routing with ease. In addition, the bundled Routing Explorer tool makes it easy to visualize routes with no work up front. Sample applications include "Get Fastest Path," "Avoiding Areas," "Turn-By-Turn Directions," plus many more. An illustrated QuickStart Guide is also provided.