The Google Maps Directions API is a service that calculates directions between locations. It is a part of the Google Maps platform and provides directions for a variety of transportation modes, such as driving, walking, biking, and public transportation. The API returns the most efficient route, which can include multiple legs, depending on the mode of transportation and the locations provided.
To use the Directions API, you will need to sign up for a Google Maps Platform API key and include it in your API requests. You can then use the API to request directions by specifying the starting and ending locations, as well as any waypoints that should be included in the route. The API will return a response containing the calculated route, along with information such as the distance and estimated travel time.
You can also use the Directions API to request additional details about the route, such as the points along the route that represent the waypoints, the latitude and longitude of each point, and the instructions for each step of the route.
The Google Maps Directions API is a powerful tool that can be used to build a variety of applications, including mapping and navigation services, travel planning platforms, and logistics systems.