API releases are becoming the norm these days from AOL and today we continued the trend with our friends at Mapquest. The Mapquest platform offers free and flexible APIs that allow developers to build rich multi-media applications using a variety of supported programming languages and environments, including JS, AS3, Flash under JS and XML (FUJAX), Java, C++, .net. Here are a few more details, and make sure to check out the Mapquest development blog for updates:

• A Rich Mapping Interface for creating Rich Internet Applications with our JavaScript, AS3, or FUJAX APIs:
  • Aerial Imagery and Hybrid Views – Satellite imagery and aerial photography.
  • Smart Rollovers – Rollover windows that adapt their size and positioning on the map based on the content placed in the window.
  • Smooth Zoom – Animated transitions between zoom levels.
  • Globe View – A map of the world presented as an interactive globe.
  • “Flickable” Maps – Maps that continue to pan based on speed and friction settings.
  • Advanced Shape Overlays – Build apps that allow users to create and interact with a variety of overlays on maps.
  • Advanced Map Marker Features – With “declutter mode,” automatically move collided markers (POIs) to alternate positions on the map with a customizable leader line pointing back to their original location.
• Unlimited Maps – Worldwide: Standard or Tiled.
• Unlimited Geocoding – Multi-line and Single-line Geocoding, Real-time Batch Geocoding, Reverse Geocoding, Postal Code and Town Geocoding.
• Unlimited Routing – Point-to-Point, Multi-point or Optimized.
• Simplified Data Management – MapQuest offers access to simple tools to upload and manage location information to help keep websites accurate and relevant.

After using the Mapquest APIs for a couple of years now with out location services in AIM, I am thrilled by this announcement. Congrats to all the great engineers and product folks at Mapquest that released the most flexible mapping APIs out there.