To calculate distance matrices for cars, trucks, and bicycles, you need a distance matrix API that supports multiple transportation modes. Here’s how it typically works:
1. Choose a Distance Matrix API: Many services, like Solvice, Google Maps API, or OpenStreetMap-based APIs, offer distance matrix capabilities. These APIs allow you to specify different travel modes when calculating distances between multiple locations.
2. Set the Travel Mode: When making an API request, you can define the travel mode based on your needs:
• Cars: The API will calculate distances using regular roads while accounting for road conditions and speed limits.
• Trucks: Truck-specific matrices may factor in height restrictions, weight limits, and truck-specific roads, giving you more accurate travel estimates tailored for larger vehicles.
• Bicycles: Bicycles routes prioritize bike lanes and quieter streets, avoiding highways and other car-specific roads.
3. Request Traffic Data (Optional): For both cars and trucks, traffic data can be used to provide more accurate travel time estimates, especially for urban routes. APIs like Solvice integrate traffic data from TomTom to deliver up-to-date results .
4. Get the Matrix: Once the request is sent, the API returns the distance matrix in a format (like JSON) that includes the distances or estimated travel times for the selected transportation modes between all origins and destinations.
This flexible setup allows businesses to optimize their routes for different vehicle types, enhancing efficiency for logistics, deliveries, or bike-sharing services.