Stop sequence optimization

The Route Optimization API computes the optimal sequence of stops for one or more vehicles based on configurable optimization objectives and constraints. The Route Optimization API offers enterprise-level features to solve the problem of finding the optimal order for drivers to complete their tasks. If you are a Mobility Optimize and Accelerate customer, you have Route Optimization API, Single Vehicle Routing included in your list of available services.

All Mobility customers also have access to the following APIs that support basic stop order optimization:

• Routes API, Compute Routes
• Routes Preferred API, Compute Routes
• Directions API

If you've developed your own route optimizer, you can use the Routes Preferred ComputeRouteMatrix or the Routes API ComputeRouteMatrix methods to estimate the distance and duration of a route for multiple origins and destinations. ComputeRouteMatrix lets you use the same traffic and routing algorithms used by other Google Maps Platform products. It has several advantages over the Distance Matrix API.

Note: Routes API is the next generation of the Directions and Distance Matrix APIs. New use of Directions and Distance Matrix APIs is discouraged.

The Fleet Routing capability of the Route Optimization API operates on whole fleets of vehicles, solving both stop order optimization and assignment simultaneously. Fleet Routing is not included in the list of services available to Mobility customers, but can be used on a charge-per-consumption basis. For details, see the Route Optimization API Usage and Billing guide.

Note: To protect you from inadvertent Fleet Routing consumption charges, Cloud projects enrolled in Mobility are prevented from making Fleet Routing requests. If you want to use Fleet Routing in your Mobility-enrolled Cloud projects, create a Maps support case requesting access.

Why use the Route Optimization API?

The Route Optimization API helps your drivers drive the most efficient route possible—making stops and completing tasks in the optimal order so your customers' orders arrive as quickly and as inexpensively as possible. Route Optimization simplifies the effort needed to meet the following goals:

• Improve driver task productivity: Ensure that your drivers get efficient routes, including real-time traffic updates to avoid delays due to congestion.
• Improve consumer experience: Ensure stops are scheduled within specified time windows so you can provide your consumers with more precise expected delivery times.

Next Steps

Visualize routes with the Maps SDK

Some fleet operators want their drivers or their fleet manager to see routes directly within a user interface. Use the Maps SDK to display the route from the Routes API. For more information on customizing routes in your map, see Maps SDK for Javascript, Maps SDK for Android, and Maps SDK for iOS.

Track routes with Fleet Engine

Once routes have been optimized, Mobility Accelerate customers can use Fleet Engine to track routes' execution. For more information, see the Fleet Engine documentation.