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Kakao Navi
Understand concepts
This document introduces the features of Kakao Navi API.
Overview
Kakao Navi APIs provide the navigation function through the Kakao Navi application (hereinafter referred to as 'app') and route data.
Kakao SDK
The Kakao SDK provides the Kakao Navi module that allows you to use the functions to get directions and share locations through the Kakao Navi app. If the Kakao Navi app is not installed on a user's device, the user is directed to the download page for the Kakao Navi app.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Navigation | Launches Kakao Navi and gets directions to your destination. You can set navigation options such as vehicle type and specify up to three waypoints. |
| Location sharing | Launches Kakao Navi and shares the desired location. Provides information such as the recommended routes, travel time, and total fare. You can combine this function with the Navigation function. |
Note: Kakao Navi Directions SDK (Embedded) Beta
If you want to integrate navigation into your service on your own without launching Kakao Navi, use the Kakao Navi Directions SDK (Embedded). While the Kakao Navi module provided through the Kakao SDK launches Kakao Navi to navigate or share location, the Kakao Navi Directions SDK (Embedded) provides the User Interface (UI) elements of Kakao Navi and the development kits that allow you to implement the Kakao Navi's navigation function within your service.
With this SDK, you can implement the navigation function including the turn-by-turn navigation with voice instruction in your service, or customize the components such as maps or overlays to fit your service style or environment.
The Kakao Navi Directions SDK (Embedded) is in a beta phase as of now, and supports Android and iOS only. To use this SDK, you need to request the SDK and documentation via partnership@kakaomobility.com. In the beta stage, its features may change, or you may not access a service temporarily.
Directions API
The Directions API provides route data, such as the estimated time or travel route for the specified origin, waypoint, and destination. The Directions API supports diverse parameters allowing you to provide alternative routes and decide the priority or limit options. To find the best route, the Directions API also provides the car options related to car types, fuel types, and whether or not to use the electronic toll collection system called 'Hi-pass'.
You can use the Directions API using a REST API and use it for a scenario to give information on the estimated travel time or distance when a user searches for a place. You can also process the route data obtained through the Directions API by combining the Directions API with the Maps SDK.
The Directions API has quota limits. To increase the maximum quota amount for each API or set more than 30 origins, waypoints, and destinations, contact partnership@kakaomobility.com.
The allowed number of places and provided information are different depending on APIs as follows:
| API | Origin | Destination | Waypoint | Departure time | Provided data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directions for driving | one | one | Up to five | Current | Detailed route data by section or summary for the route. |
| Directions via multiple waypoints | one | one | Up to 30 | Current | Detailed route data by section or summary for the route |
| Directions to multiple destinations | one or more | one | Up to 30 | Current | Estimated travel time, travel distance. |
| Directions from multiple origins | one | one or more | Up to 30 | Current | Estimated travel time, travel distance. |
| Future driving estimation | one | one | Up to five | Future | Detailed route data by section or summary for the route. |
Tip: Find the best API for your service
| Purpose | Kakao SDK | Kakao Navi Directions SDK (Embedded) Beta | Directions API |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get directions according to the specified vehicle type or navigation options. | ● | ● | ● |
| Navigate to a specific place by detecting live traffic information. | ● | ● | |
| Navigate through the Kakao Navi app. | ● | ||
| Navigate inside a service without launching the Kakao Navi app. | ● | ||
| Customize Kakao Navi's UI elements or map components. | ● | ||
| Get route data such as recommended routes or travel distance to a specific place. | ● | ● | ● |
| Share recommended routes or travel distance to a specific place by launching the Kakao Navi app. | ● | ||
| Get route data from multiple origins or to multiple destinations. | ● |
Scope of support
| API | Android SDK | iOS SDK | JavaScript SDK | Flutter SDK | REST API |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Location sharing | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Directions for driving | ● | ||||
| Directions via multiple waypoints | ● | ||||
| Directions to multiple destinations | ● | ||||
| Directions from multiple origins | ● | ||||
| Future driving estimation | ● |
*This table does not cover the scope of support for Kakao Navi Directions SDK (Embedded) Beta.