Mapping API
MapSherpa Pricing & Info

For pricing and more information about MapSherpa Spatial Web Services, please contact us at:

FAQ

  1. Why would I consider using MapSherpa over the other large consumer mapping browser API's?
  2. How are Mapsherpa maps created?
  3. What's a map tile?
  4. How many tiles make up a typical map?
  5. Can I use my own data?
  6. Can I change the look of the base map?
  7. Do you support routing?
  8. Do you support geocoding?
  9. Do you support reverse geocoding?
  10. Can I have the MapSherpa Infrastructure on my servers?
  11. What if I go over my tile usage? Do I get penalized?
  12. Where are your servers located? Are they Secure?
  13. What does My.MapSherpa.com do?
  14. Where can I try the MapSherpa API?
  15. Is there documentation?
  16. What coverage is available? Can you add a specific country if requested?

 

1. Why would I consider using MapSherpa over the other large consumer mapping browser API's?
The quick answer is that MapSherpa is everything the other Web-mapping giants are not:
  • There are no hidden or vague stipulations regarding on traffic volume, rights of usage, provider branding, and provider inclusion of advertising;
  • There are no restrictions for use in commercial applications - you can confidently build and grow your business around MapSherpa because all the licensing, usage, application, and support Terms and Conditions are clearly laid out.
  • High volume capacity can be scaled to specific Customer requirements - competitive pricing structure allows flexibility for large volume applications.
  • Flexibility to customize the look and feel of your application or have DMSG do it for you - differentiate your product/service and enhance your Customer's experience by adding as much value as is needed.
  • MapSherpa support is available along with other application support packages - pick what is best for you.
2. How are Mapsherpa maps created?
A tiled map is typically a larger map composed of a number of smaller map tiles that are positioned to make a large image. Tiles are delivered to the client browser in an on-demand fashion. When the map is first loaded, a buffer of tiles around the visible map is created so users experience a seamless mapping experience when panning. After the initial map draws, tiles are only loaded when the map is panned beyond the current buffer of tiles or when the scale changes.
3. What's a map tile?
A map tile is a unit of measurement for the MapSherpa API. Its a small piece of the map view, about 300 pixels by 300 pixels.
4. How many tiles make up a typical map?
This depends on the size of map that you want to display. For a map that is 500 pixels by 350 pixels the api will load 12 tiles (4 x 3) for the initial map draw.
5. Can I use my own data?
MapSherpa API allows you to add your own point location data simply and seamlessly. Examples of point data include Earthquake locations, Police Stations, House locations, and so forth. You can store this data in any format you see fit on your servers then load it into your MapSherpa map using a few lines of code.
The MapSherpa API cannot load data such as polyline or polygonal features at this time.
6. Can I change the look of the base map?
The base maps are pre-rendered tiles and cannot be changed by the client.
7. Do you support routing?
We are curerntly implementing routing in the MapSherpa API. Check www.mapsherpa.com often for more information.
8. Do you support geocoding?
The MapSherpa API supports geocoding for both the United States and Canada.
9. Do you support reverse geocoding?
Yes - curerntly for Canada. Check www.mapsherpa.com often for US availability.
10. Can I have the MapSherpa Infrastructure on my servers?
Visit the 'Custom Development Services' Section at www.mapsherpa.com/custom.html
11. What if I go over my tile usage? Do I get penalized?
MapSherpa Services are available in packages designed to suit every need, from low to very high volume mapping. Packages are provided based on a maximum monthly volume of tiles loaded from the server. Should your useage exceed the current monthly volume for your account, you will be billed a small overage charge. Once the total bill is equivalent to the cost of the next package level, you will automatically move to the next package, saving you from excessive overage charges. See Mapping API for more information.
12. Where are your servers located? Are they Secure?
MapSherpa's API is hosted in a distributed network of servers spread between a high-reliability data center and a secondary data center. This architecture ensures a stable, enterprise-level mapping environment.
MapSherpa's servers are secured and monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 356 days a year.
13. What does My.MapSherpa.com do?
My.MapSherpa.com is a portal which allows you to montitor your MapSherpa service. It enables you to:
  • Get information regarding your current subscription
  • Get documentation
  • View API stats
  • View visitor dtats
14. Where can I try the MapSherpa API?
Right here on MapSherpa.com!
15. Is there documentation?
There is are several pieces of documentation available:
  • Getting Started - 3 steps to getting you up and running!
  • Boot Camp - practical examples of API usage.
  • API Guide - complete listing of all classes, methods, members and properties.
  • FAQ & Troubleshooting - a growing knowledgebase of coding methods and answers to issues you may encounter.
17. What coverage is available? Can you add a specific country if requested?
The MapSherpa API currently covers Canada, the United States, and Global Low Resolution. The maps used for MapSherpa API comes from DM Solutions Group Maps for MapServer product. If you have interest in adding a country to the service please contact our MapSherpa representatives.