Google Location Services
Google Location Services is a suite of APIs and SDKs provided by Google that enables developers to integrate location-based features into mobile and web applications. It includes services like the Google Maps Platform, Places API, Geocoding API, and Fused Location Provider for Android, allowing apps to display maps, get user location, search for places, and calculate routes. These services leverage Google's extensive mapping data and infrastructure to provide accurate, real-time location functionality.
Developers should use Google Location Services when building applications that require mapping, navigation, location tracking, or place-based features, such as ride-sharing apps, delivery services, travel guides, or social networking apps with check-ins. It is particularly valuable for Android development due to its deep integration with the Android ecosystem, offering high accuracy and battery efficiency through the Fused Location Provider. For web and cross-platform apps, it provides a reliable way to embed interactive maps and access geospatial data without maintaining complex mapping infrastructure.