REST API for driving distance?

Question

Is there a service that will give me the driving distance between two addresses? Apparently Google Maps API requires you to display a map, which I don't want to do (on that particular page), and I'd like to just snag the data and save it to my DB after a user submits a form, rather than waiting for JS to do it's thing.

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If it's relevant, this is going into a Django app. I discovered that CloudMade offers a Python API, which is nice, except their latest dev release has a bug in it (can't use the API object), but more importantly, it's support for Canada is awful (couldn't find directions from any major city around here!).

Answer 1

There are free services out there, but the quality of the data may be questionable/non-existent in areas. Be aware of licences on the data too, storing in your own DB may be a breach.

http://openrouteservice.org/

Answer 2

Would it be possible to use Google Maps GDirections object? This can return the textual directions instead of the map overlay if called with a div object. From there you can use the getDistance (or getDuration) functions. You can always use an invisible div for the returns if you don't want anything to be displayed on the page.

Start here
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/examples/directions-advanced.html
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/reference.html#GDirections

And use this sample code

   var map;
    var directionsPanel;
    var directions;

    function initialize() {
      directionsPanel = document.getElementById("route");
      directions = new GDirections(null, directionsPanel);
      GEvent.addListener(directions , "load", onGDirectionsLoad);
      directions.load("from: 500 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA to: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215 (Fenway Park)");
    }

    function onGDirectionsLoad(){ 
      alert(directions.getDistance().html);
    }

Answer 3

Take a look at Navteq. I used their service in developing a driving directions application about 5 years ago, and got good results. Can't speak for them lately though. I believe the best URL is Navteq Routing Service

Answer 4

MapQuest's Directions API is HTTP Querystring based (I'm not sure if it's entirely RESTful). Can get XML or JSON response. Just need to send it an HTTP GET Request.

http://developer.mapquest.com/web/products/directions-ws

Use the "distance" response parameter.

Answer 5

You can use the new Google Directions API directly, without using any javascript. http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/directions/