Getting Started with the Bing Maps REST Services
The Bing™ Maps REST Services Application Programming Interface (API) is a Representational State Transfer (REST) API that you can use to do common tasks, such as finding an address, retrieving a map with a pushpin and a label, or getting driving directions. You perform these tasks by constructing a URL.
To use the Bing Maps REST Services, you must have a Bing Maps Key.
Bing Maps REST Services
The following table lists the Bing Maps REST Services and the common tasks they perform. Click the links for API details.
| REST API | Features |
|---|---|
| Locations | - Find a location based on an address, point, or query. |
| Elevations | - Get the elevations for a set of locations, a path, or an area on the Earth. |
| Imagery | - Get a static map. - Get a static map that displays a route. - Get imagery metadata. |
| Routes | - Find a walking, driving or transit route. - Find routes from major routes to a location. - Get traffic information along a route. |
| Traffic | - Get traffic information for a geographical area. |
| Autosuggest | - Get a list of autosuggested entities from a user's query. |
| Time Zone | - Get a Time Zone by point or query. - Convert UTC datetime to a time zone. - Get information about Windows and IANA time zone standards. |
Additional Topics
Note
Bing Maps API works ONLY from requests using the standard HTTP ports: 80 (http) or 443 (https).
The following topics show examples of how to use the Bing Maps REST Services with other Bing Maps APIs or provide related information.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Accessing the Bing Maps REST Services using PHP | This article shows how to write a PHP application that can interact with the Bing Maps REST Services APIs. |
| Bing Maps Transit Coverage | Provides a list of transit agencies that are used by Bing Maps REST Services to provide transit routes. |
Transaction Accounting
Transactions are counted for each Bing Maps REST Services request sent with a valid Bing Maps Key. For information about billable and non-billable transactions for the Bing Maps REST Services, see Understanding Bing Maps Transactions.