MapQuest Releases ActionScript API

By Nick Mokey May 28, 2007

MapQuest Releases ActionScript API

Tuesday not only brought us new 3-D city maps from Microsoft, but also MapQuest’s announcement that they are providing an application programming interface (API) for Adobe ActionScript. APIs allow custom applications to be built for a platform. For instance, onNYTurf’s Subway Map Hack takes Google Maps and overlays detailed information about the New York City subway system, using Google’s JavaScript API.

The ActionScript API from MapQuest will allow these types of applications to be built using Adobe Flash or Flex. Developers will be able to write applications in ActionScript 3.0, without any of the "abstraction layers" that were previously necessary to interface with MapQuest, which will speed up performance and eliminate hassle for programmers. According to Adobe, Flash Player is also installed on 97 percent of internet-enabled desktops, making applications developed for it widely accessible.

Recommended Videos

“The API developed by MapQuest for ActionScript opens up new avenues for the Web 2.0 developer ecosystem, especially those who use Flash, Flex and Apollo to build rich Internet applications (RIAs) in the browser or right on the desktop,” said Jeff Whatcott, Vice President of Product Marketing at Adobe’s Enterprise and Developer Business Unit, in a statement. “Now, RIA developers can quickly and easily integrate MapQuest’s mapping services into their Web 2.0 mash-up applications, enabling them to go beyond simple HTML to create more engaging, data-rich and interactive mapping applications.”

MapQuest already offers a JavaScript API known as Advantage 5.1. Along with the announcement of an ActionScript API, Mapquest also announced that Advantage has been improved with more advanced map overlap capabilities and an "icon declutter" function.

Managing Editor

As Digital Trends’ Managing Editor, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team delivering definitive reviews, enlightening…

Computing

Trying to buy a GPU in 2023 almost makes me miss the shortage

Two AMD Radeon RX 7000 graphics cards on a pink surface.

The days of the GPU shortage are long over, but somehow, buying a GPU is harder than ever -- and that sentiment has very little to do with stock levels. It's just that there are no obvious candidates when shopping anymore.

In a generation where no single GPU stands out as the single best graphics card, it's hard to jump on board with the latest from AMD and Nvidia. I don't want to see another GPU shortage, but the state of the graphics card market is far from where it should be.
This generation is all over the place

Computing

HP printers are heavily discounted in Best Buy’s flash sale

The HP - OfficeJet Pro 8034e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer on a desk with a smartphone.

There’s good news in store if you’re looking to land a new printer at a discount this weekend. Best Buy is having a 48-hour flash sale on HP printers, with several that can compete with the best printers seeing some good prices. HP is almost always one of the best laptop brands, and it’s one of the same when it comes to printers. So if you’re looking for a new home or office printer, read onward on how to save on an HP printer at Best Buy.
HP DeskJet 2755e — $60, was $85

The HP DeskJet 2755e is a good entry-level printer. It’s got you covered if your printing needs are pretty basic, or if you don’t need to print in mass. This is a color InkJet printer, which makes it good for almost all uses. It can also make copies and scan in color, and it has mobile and wireless printing functionality. You can get set up quickly and easily with the HP Smart app that guides you through the setup process, and you can also use this app to print, scan and copy documents from your phone.

Computing

This tiny ThinkPad can’t quite keep up with the MacBook Air M2

While the laptop industry continues to move toward 14-inch laptops and larger, the 13-inch laptop remains an important category. One of the best is the Apple MacBook Air M2, with an extremely thin and well-built chassis, great performance, and incredibly long battery life.

Lenovo has recently introduced the third generation of its ThinkPad X1 Nano, one of the lightest laptops we've tested and a good performer as well. It's stiff competition, but which of these two diminutive laptops stands apart?
Specs and configurations