Google Inc.

Kenneth Richard Hoetmer

Bailiang Zhou

Patrick Hofmann

Zhou Bailiang

A mapping API provides a digital map via a user interface of a computing device. When invoked by a software application, the mapping API is configured to receive an identifier of a user operating the software application, provide a first interactive digital map including a representation of a certain geographic area for display by the software application, where the first interactive digital map is personalizable via the software application, receive personalization content from the user via the software application, and cause a second digital map including a representation of the geographic area, when provided to the same user, to be modified in view of the personalization content, where the first digital map and the second digital map are created independently.

Personalization of map content via an application programming interface

An application programming interface (API) for automatically providing digital maps to third-party software applications is provided. The API is configured to (i) receive a string of alphanumeric characters from a third-party software application that executes independently of a map service, (ii) automatically determine whether the string is consistent with one or more indications of geographic locations, (iii) when the string is consistent with an indication of a geographic location, determine whether a digital map of a geographic area including the indicated geographic location should be generated, and (iv) in response to determining that the digital map should be generated, receive the digital from the map service and provide the digital map to the third-party software application for display via a user interface.

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Sydney, Australia

Kenneth Richard Hoetmer