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What are you curios about?

What industries most commonly use Distancematrix.ai's services?

Our services are extensively used in industries like food delivery, taxi and ride-sharing, courier and postal services, and logistics and transportation for efficient route planning and travel time estimation. Its versatility also extends to any sector requiring location-based analytics, making it adaptable for a wide range of applications beyond conventional transportation and logistics, including urban planning, real estate, and emergency services.

I need to convert addresses to coordinates (latitude and longitude). Can this be done using Distancematrix.ai?

Yes, it can be done. Distancematrix.ai offers a Geocoding API that supports both direct and reverse geocoding. This means you can easily convert addresses into geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) and vice versa, which is ideal for applications in navigation, urban planning, and logistics.

Your website offers two versions of the API Accurate and Fast. What's the difference?

We've designed our API to cater to a variety of needs, ensuring the best possible service for everyone. The Accurate version is engineered to account more factors and incorporating real-time traffic data, but requires slightly more time to process requests. The Fast version is optimized for speed, making calculations quicker with fewer conditions. It's important to note that one version may perform better than the other in different regions, so we recommend trying both to see which best meets your needs.

How do I choose a product that will be perfect for me?

To select the ideal Distancematrix.ai product for your needs: Define Your Requirements: Determine if you need to calculate travel times and distances (Distance Matrix API) or convert addresses into coordinates (Geocoding API). Consider Usage Scale: For smaller, experimental projects, start with the Free Plan. If your project demands extensive, regular API calls, the Growth Plan may be more appropriate. Budget Consideration: Initially, use the Free Plan to understand the API’s capabilities. Upgrade to a paid plan as your project scales. Evaluate Support Materials: Look at the available documentation, case studies, and instructional materials to ensure they meet your informational needs. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about which Distancematrix.ai product aligns best with your project's scope, your technical ability, and budgetary constraints.

How do I get started with Distancematrix.ai?

Getting started with Distancematrix.ai is a pretty straightforward process. You can sign up for a Free Plan on the right top corner on our website, which gives you access to all API services. This plan allows you to explore and test the APIs to determine the best fit for your needs.

How do I implement API in my project?

To integrate the Distancematrix.ai API, start by obtaining your  API keys after signing up. Review our detailed API Documentation to understand the standard structure for requests and responses. You can make requests using any programming language that supports HTTP and the API will return responses in a standardized JSON format. For any assistance or further queries our support team is ready to help.

What should I do if I lose access to my account?

If you lose access to your Distancematrix.ai account, follow these steps: - Use the 'Forgot Password' feature on the login page to reset your password. - If you are unable to regain access through password reset, contact Distancematrix.ai's support team for assistance.

Will the API work in my country?

Our Distancematrix.ai API offers global coverage, ensuring you can access our services regardless of your location. Designed to cater to every corner of the world, as long as there are roads, you can confidently use our API in any country or region.

Where is your company located?

Our company originated from Ukraine, but following the invasion, we relocated our main office to Estonia. This move ensures stability and guarantees that our company, employees, and all operational processes are secure and continuously evolving. We're committed to providing you with the best service possible, ensuring you can rely on a long-term and fruitful cooperation with us.

Does your API support real-time traffic updates?

Yes, our Distance Matrix API takes into account current traffic conditions, providing you with  for the fastest route as well as average travel time and also rocalculationsute time considering traffic. This makes it ideal for applications requiring up-to-date information, such as ride-sharing, delivery services, and logistics planning. It's important to note that real-time traffic is accounted for only in our Accurate API product.

Does your API support route optimization?

The answer depends on your specific needs. If you're referring to solving the Traveling Salesman Problem, that is, calculating distance matrices for N origins x N destination points, then yes, our API can certainly accommodate that. It returns the distance and travel time, taking current real-time traffic conditions into account for the fastest route calculation. This capability allows for efficient route planning and optimization based on real-time data.

In case you're looking for an API that provides turn-by-turn navigation with map visuals and directional arrows, we currently do not offer this functionality. Our focus is on delivering accurate distance and time estimations, which are crucial for logistics, planning and optimization tasks. We're always looking to expand our services, so stay tuned for future updates!

What is the difference between your products?

The Distance Matrix APIs and the Geocoding APIs from Distancematrix.ai serve distinct purposes with specific strengths. The Distance Matrix APIs excel in quickly calculating travel times and distances between multiple points, offering both synchronous and asynchronous(batch) matrixes. In contrast, the Geocoding APIs specialize in converting addresses to geographical coordinates and vice versa. For those who need a deeper understanding of how each API functions and its specific use cases, we recommend reading the detailed guide https://distancematrix.ai/guides/choose-your-api

Are there any limitations in terms of the number of requests or elements per request that can be handled by your API?

The limits depend on your requirements, needs and chosen API. For our distance matrix Accurate API, there's a limit of 100 EPS, whereas the Fast API allows up to 500 EPS. Also you have the capability to send bulk requests asynchronously, where there's no restriction on the number of origin and destination locations, but it's important to note that the processing speed for these requests will be significantly slower. If these limits don't meet your needs, please contact our support team. We're keen to understand your requirements and offer assistance.

How does API choose its path?

The Accurate DM API selects routes based on the traffic_model parameter, offering either the shortest or fastest path:

  • Optimistic yields the shortest route.
  • Pessimistic provides the fastest route, considering potential traffic delays.

Both the shortest and fastest routes can be returned by the API: the shortest is detailed in the distance_in_traffic_model field, while the fastest appears in the standard fields. By default, the API favors the fastest route.

To influence the route further, incorporate waypoints into your request, allowing for a tailored path that meets specific requirements.

What is an element?

An element  is the result of a query for a single origin-destination pair, providing specific data like travel distance and duration. With each query generating multiple elements, the total reflects the product of the number of origins and destinations involved.

Can I go beyond 100 locations in one request?

With the help of our API, you can request a matrix of any size. If you send requests synchronously, the request is limited to 100 elements per request (for example, 1*100 or 50*2 or 33*3). If you need to request large matrices, you can send requests asynchronously. You can see an example of requests in the Postman collection: https://www.postman.com/distancematrix/workspace/distance-matrix/collection

Do you have any solutions for calculating large matrices?

Yes, our service offers the option to send asynchronous requests, specifically designed for bulk calculations involving large matrices. To get more details, please contact us via the form below or at support@distancematrix.ai

Does your API support POIs (points of interest)?

Our API only calculates travel time and distance between some points. And currently there is no possibility to receive a map view in our service. You can learn more about all the capabilities of our API at the link: https://distancematrix.ai/distance-matrix-api

Can I use this API as a latitude longitude API converter to human-readable addresses?

Yes, you can use the Distancematrix.ai Geocoding API to convert latitude-longitude (lat-long) coordinates to human-readable addresses. This process is also known as reverse geocoding and developers usually search for a latitude and longitude API or for aget coordinates from address API.

To use the API for reverse geocoding, you would send a request to the API with the latitude and longitude parameters, and the API would respond with the corresponding human-readable address for those coordinates.

If you have any questions or need further assistance in using the API for your reverse geocoding needs, the Distancematrix.ai team provides detailed documentation and customer support to help you get started.

How to use Distance Matrix APIs?

Using a Distance Matrix APIs like Distancematrix.ai is typically a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps for using the API:
Register to the platform and obtain an API key. The API key is a unique identifier that allows you to access the API.
Choose your API product: We offer Distance Matrix Fast and Distance Matrix Accurate.
Set your parameters: Depending on the product you choose, you will need to set parameters such as the origins and destinations (in the form of addresses or lat-long coordinates), transportation mode (driving, walking, etc.), and other options such as avoiding tolls or highways.
Send your request: Once you have set your parameters, you can send a request to the API distance matrix using your API key. The API will process your request and return the distance results and travel times in the format specified in your request.
Cache and use the results:
Finally, you can parse the results returned by the API and use them in your application or website. The API can return results in JSON, which can be easily converted into various formats, including XML and CSV.The specific steps for using the Distancematrix.ai API may vary depending on your programming language or framework. However, we provide detailed Distance Matrix API documentation and sample code to help you get started.

How to use Geocoding APIs?

Register and Obtain API Key: Sign up on the platform to get your unique API key, enabling access to the Geocoding API services.
Select Your Geocoding API Product: We offer both Geocoding API Fast and Geocoding API Accurate. Choose the one that best fits your project's needs.
Configure Your Request Parameters: Based on your selected API, set necessary parameters including the addresses or coordinates you wish to geocode or reverse geocode, and any specific requirements like language or region preferences.
Send Your Request: With your parameters set, use your API key to authenticate and send a request to the Geocoding API. The API will process your input and return detailed location data, including standardized addresses and precise coordinates.
Process and Utilize the Data: Interpret the JSON response from the API to integrate geolocation data into your application or website. The API's response can be adapted to various formats for your convenience.

What level of technical expertise is required to integrate and use the Distancematrix.ai API?

Our solution is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of users, from highly skilled programmers who require seamless API integration into complex systems, to students with basic programming knowledge. To ensure accessibility for all skill levels, we provide an easy-to-use application complete with comprehensive written and video instructions( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_ozf0ee4zY https://distancematrix.ai/guides/dm-app-guide). This application is specifically designed for those who may not have extensive programming expertise, allowing them to utilize our API effectively without delving into complex coding.

How to calculate the cost of usage?

The cost is based on the number of elements (origin-destination pairs) used. You can estimate your needs by multiplying the number of elements by their cost. For example, for usage of 200,000 elements calculations would look like this: (100,000/1,000)*2$+(100,000/1,000)*1,6$=360$.It is important to note that this calculation does not include bonus elements. 
So, the higher your usage, the lower the price per 1000 elements. On this page https://distancematrix.ai/pricing you can find our pricing.

What is your paying system?

We work according to pay-as-you-go payment system. It is a flexible billing model where you only pay for the services or resources you actually use, rather than a fixed price. You can track their usage in real-time, ensuring transparency and potentially lower expenses, though high usage can lead to higher costs.

How do I view my current usage and costs for the Distance Matrix API?

Your current usage can be viewed in the control panel of your Distancematrix.ai account. Speaking about cost, you can estimate it based on the elements used and our pricing. Additionally you'll get an invoice at the end of each billing period.

Can I try the API before buying it?

Absolutely! We offer a Free pricing plan to all of our users, allowing you to thoroughly test our APIs and experience the accuracy and  benefits of our Distancematrix.ai products. Upon registration, you'll immediately receive access to your control panel and comprehensive instructions on how to utilize it. Rest assured that no credit card information or prepayment is required.

How do I calculate my needs for the service?

For example, let's say you plan to make 10 requests per day, suppose each request contains 1 origin and 1 destination, that is 1 element. In this case 10 elements x 30 days = 300 elements per month.

Or another example you need to make 1000 requests, each request contains 5 origins x 10 destinations = 50 elements per request. So a total of 1000 x 50 = 50,000 elements.

Do you offer customized pricing plans for large-scale or enterprise-level usage?

Absolutely! At DistanceMatrix.ai we understand that our clients' needs can vary greatly and we are ready to support large-scale or enterprise-level usage. We offer a variety of API options tailored to support both extensive distance matrix requests or high-volume of one-to-one query needs.

We operate on a scalable pricing model, meaning the larger your monthly usage the lower the cost per 1000 elements. If you anticipate making more than 500 000 element requests per month, we warmly invite you to get in touch with us. By understanding your specific requirements, we're committed to providing you with the most advantageous pricing possible. Our goal is to support your needs with flexible and cost-effective solution that meet your unique demands.

Are there any usage limits for the Distance Matrix API?

The Free plan includes a limit of 1,000 elements per month. An element is defined as a single origin/destination pair in a request, such as the distance and travel time between two locations. The Growth plan, on the other hand, offers unlimited usage of elements per month with the post payment, and users are charged based on the number of elements used, as described in the pricing model. Distance Matrix API cost depends on the monthly volume, the more elements used the better is the pricing. In case your needs exceed our standard offerings and you're expecting extensive usage, we are fully prepared to tailor a best pricing strategy and personalized approach, ensuring an optimal fit for your extensive requirements.

Are there any upfront costs or setup fees associated with using the Distance Matrix API?

No, there are no upfront costs or setup fees associated with using the Distance Matrix API. Our pricing structure is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, offering two main plans:

Our Free plan, which starts immediately with no need for credit card details, enjoying 1000 elements per month and full access to all our features and products. It’s perfect for students, researchers and those just beginning to explore the capabilities of the Distance Matrix API.

Our Growth plan, operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning you’re billed at the end of each month based only on the elements you use. Upgrading to Growth also includes a one-time $50 bonus applied to your initial usage, your card will not be billed until all the bonus is used. This encourages you for more extensive exploration of our services without any monthly fees or hidden costs.

Both plans are crafted to ensure ease of access and transparency, enabling developers and businesses to utilize our API without worrying about financial commitments upfront.

How can I use my $50 one-time bonus?

We offer you a $50 one-time bonus right after your upgrade to the Growth plan. This bonus will be appliedautomatically. On your dashboard, you will see how the bonus is getting used right after you start sending requests and using the elements of the API.We offer this bonus only once per upgrade, but it is not limited by time. So, if you don’t use it all in the first month, you can continue to use the remaining bonus in subsequent months.

What plans do you offer?

Distancematrix.ai offers two main plans: the Free Plan, ideal for testing and small-scale use, providing a limited number of elements at no cost with full access to product features; and the Growth Plan, a pay-as-you-go option tailored for larger needs, where costs are based on the number of elements used. This plan offers scalability and is cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating demands, featuring a tiered pricing structure that becomes more economical with increased usage. The transition from the Free to the Growth Plan is seamless, accommodating growing needs of businesses efficiently.

Is it possible for me to update my payment details or temporarily suspend the service?

Absolutely, you have the flexibility to update your payment information or adjust the status of your service at any time. Please visit your account dashboard at https://account.distancematrix.ai/dashboard/ for these options.

How does the payment process work?

1. Upon signing up, you'll immediately have access to the Free plan. This gives you 1,000 elements to try out any of our APIs without any cost.
2. Once you use up your initial 1,000 elements, you'll need to switch to the Growth plan to continue accessing our services. Upon upgrading, you'll receive a one-time $50 bonus equal to 25,000 elements, which will be applied to your initial usage.
3. Simple pricing structure: Our Growth plan pricing is straightforward and based on how many elements you use monthly. The rates are as follows:

Pricing for elements
1 — 100,000 elements
$2 per 1,000 elements
the next 100,000 — 300,000 elements
$1.6 per 1,000 elements
the next 300,000 — 500,000 elements
$1.25 per 1,000 elements
the next 500,000 elements and more
$1 per 1,000 elements or
Contact us for better pricing

4. Transparent costs: There are no hidden fees or additional charges. You can easily keep track of your expenses through the dashboard once you log in.

Estimate Your Costs: To better understand your potential expenses, we recommend using our cost calculator. This tool helps estimate your monthly charges based on your expected usage, making it easier to budget and plan for your API needs.

This approach ensures you only pay for what you use, making it easy to manage and predict your costs.

Are there any penalties for exceeding the usage limits of my plan?

The Free plan for all Distancematrix.ai APIs, including both Geocoding and Distance Matrix services, caps usage at 1,000 elements per month. Users reaching this threshold are encouraged to consider upgrading to a paid plan, such as the Growth plan, which offers unlimited usage without the worry of limits or additional fees. Your usage can be conveniently tracked via the admin panel.

Billing occurs at the end of each month, calculated based on the number of elements used. Failure to settle the bill will result in a temporary suspension of API access until the outstanding amount is paid. Our pricing model operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, akin to Google's Geolocation API, ensuring there are no penalties for overuse. To maintain equitable access to our services, the Free plan's usage is limited to 1,000 elements per month.

Where do you get traffic information from?

Our product predicts travel times based on statistical data on road congestion in different regions. We gather this data from different  traffic data sources and use our AI algorithms to calculate travel times and distances. In terms of accuracy, our product is very similar to Google Distance Matrix API. We recommend starting with a Free plan and testing how  the API works for your needs and aligns with your requirements.

How accurate is the data provided by your API?

We pride ourselves on the accuracy of our service, consistently working towards enhancements and upholding the highest standards. Through our commitment to excellence, we've carried out internal comparisons with leading market players, and our API has demonstrated superior results. But don't just take our word for it - start using our API and see the precision for yourself.

Where do you get your data from?

Our approach to delivering high-quality results is multi-faceted. We employ proprietary models, meticulously trained on a wide range of data sources, ensuring a robust and reliable foundation. In addition, we have established partnerships with third-party traffic data providers, focusing on major cities to gather real-time, localized traffic insights. To maintain and improve the accuracy and reliability of our results, we regularly benchmark our results against our competitors' results, as well as research and study innovations and new technologies in the market. This methodical validation process ensures that the data we provide is not only verified but also of the highest quality, consistently aligning with industry standards.

How often is traffic data updated?

For real-time traffic information, our data is updated approximately every 1-5 minutes depending on the traffic on the road. The resolution of our data varies based on real-time conditions and data sources. For typical traffic predictions (when not using the current time), it's based on aggregated historical data, which doesn't have a specific update frequency like real-time data.

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