August 13, 2009 -- Lawrence, KS—ThinkGeo today announced the release of an initial public beta of Map Suite Routing, a new extension for their Map Suite 3.0 family of GIS software developer components for .NET. Map Suite Routing makes it easy for developers to add routing features to their Map Suite applications, including turn-by-turn directions, waypoint support and area avoidance. Now, developers can deliver a whole new level of features and functionality to their customers through their Map Suite GIS projects.

Map Suite Routing can quickly and easily plot routes based on a number of factors, such as shortest distance vs. fastest travel time, and can utilize a variety of algorithms including Dijkstra, A* and Bidirectional. It supports adding stops or waypoints along the route, can avoid areas by routing around shapes, and can generate turn-by-turn directions for driving or even pedestrian travel. It can also calculate service areas based on an average speed and a maximum travel time.

Additionally, Map Suite Routing builds upon the extensibility and customization offered in Map Suite's core products by giving developers the ability to implement their own routing algorithms and data sources as needed. Map Suite developers can also generate routes based on custom conditions, limited only by the detail available in their data source.

Map Suite Routing comes with a complete set of sample applications, each with full source code, that enable developers to start routing with ease. In addition, the bundled Routing Explorer tool makes it easy to visualize routes with no work up front. Sample applications include "Get Fastest Path," "Avoiding Areas," "Turn-By-Turn Directions," plus many more. An illustrated QuickStart Guide is also provided.

Map Suite Routing Beta 1 is available for download immediately in a free 60-day trial edition, which must be used in conjunction with Map Suite Desktop, Web, Silverlight or Services Edition 3.0 or higher.

For more information on the complete line of ThinkGeo's Map Suite GIS software development products, including free 60-day evaluation downloads and detailed change logs for each of the new releases, visit ThinkGeo's website at http://gis.thinkgeo.com.

ThinkGeo is an industry leader in GIS mapping controls and components. The company offers a wide variety of high-quality products for software developers who are using mapping and geospatial functionality within their applications. They have clients from a wide base of industries ranging from agriculture to aerospace. For more information about ThinkGeo products or professional services, visit www.thinkgeo.com or contact one of our sales representatives at Email Contact or (866)847-7510.