About NextBillion.ai Polyline Encoder

Efficiently encode geographic coordinates into compact polyline strings for optimized data transmission and storage.

What is a Polyline Encoder?

The Polyline Encoder is a powerful tool that converts geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude pairs) into encoded polyline strings using Google's polyline encoding algorithm. This compression technique significantly reduces the size of coordinate data, making it ideal for web applications, APIs, and data storage.

Polyline encoding is widely used in mapping applications, route optimization, and geographic data transmission where bandwidth and storage efficiency are crucial.

Benefits of Polyline Encoding

Reduce Data Size

Compress coordinate data by up to 95% compared to raw JSON, significantly reducing bandwidth usage and storage requirements.

Improve Performance

Faster data transmission and processing with smaller payloads, leading to improved application performance and user experience.

Universal Compatibility

Standard encoding format supported by major mapping services including Google Maps, NextBillion.ai, and others.

Key Features

Interactive Map Interface

Click on the map to add points and see real-time polyline encoding

Manual Coordinate Input

Enter latitude and longitude values manually for precise control

Visual Route Preview

See your polyline path visualized on an interactive map

One-Click Copy

Easily copy encoded results for use in your applications

How Polyline Encoding Works

Polyline encoding uses a lossy compression algorithm that reduces the precision of coordinates to create shorter strings. The algorithm works by:

Converting latitude and longitude to integers by multiplying by 10^5
Calculating the difference between consecutive points (delta encoding)
Encoding the differences using a variable-length encoding scheme
Converting to ASCII characters for safe transmission

Example:

Input coordinates: [[38.5, -120.2], [40.7, -120.95], [43.252, -126.453]]

Encoded polyline: _p~iF~ps|U_ulLnnqC_mqNvxq`@

Common Use Cases

Route Optimization

Encode route paths for efficient storage and transmission in logistics applications

Mapping APIs

Reduce payload size when sending route data to mapping services

GPS Tracking

Compress GPS tracks for efficient storage and analysis

Web Applications

Minimize bandwidth usage when displaying routes on web maps

Integration with NextBillion.ai APIs

This tool perfectly complements NextBillion.ai's mapping and routing services:

Directions API

Encode route coordinates before sending to the Directions API for route calculation

Routes API

Prepare coordinate data for advanced routing with time windows and constraints

Optimization API

Compress location data for vehicle routing and delivery optimization

Getting Started

Ready to start encoding polylines? Here's how:

Click on the map to add coordinate points or enter them manually
Watch the encoded polyline update in real-time
Copy the encoded result for use in your application
Use the "Delete Selected" or "Delete All" buttons to manage your points

Part of the NextBillion.ai Tools Suite - Empowering developers with powerful mapping and routing utilities