Distances from "calculate a route" and "calculate a distance matrix" are different in Bing Maps API

Jonathan Ayala Marcelo 0

I need to compute the distances of a given point with several others in their neighborhood. Initially, I used "calculate a route" and I think the results are reasonable. However, when I use "calculate a distance matrix" to save time, I obtain different distances (considerably) for some points. For example, consider these points:

Origin: -23.1683,-47.5817

Destination: -23.1529,-47.5404

Using "calculate a route":

http://dev.virtualearth.net/REST/v1/Routes/Walking?wayPoint.1=-23.1683,-47.5817&wayPoint.2=-23.1529,-47.5404&distanceUnit={'km'}&key={BingMapsKey}

Distance = 6.027km

Using "calculate a distance matrix"

https://dev.virtualearth.net/REST/v1/Routes/DistanceMatrix?origins=-23.1683,-47.5817&destinations=-23.1529,-47.5404&travelMode=Walking&key={BingMapsKey}

Distance = 3.985km

(Note that the real route distance measured in the map is close to 6km)

I really want to use "calculate a distance matrix" for my calculations, but it looks that the resource is not so reliable. Please, if you have some alternative to solve my problem let me know.

Thank you

IoTGirl 3,051 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2024-05-15T00:45:03.73+00:00

Hi Jonathan,

I have not seen walking used in Distance Matrix but yes, there can be some differences in the results as it does do a simpler calculation as it does try to minimize journey legs so it will in eliminate "twistier" routes. I have pointed the engineering team to this post but would also ask that you evaluate Azure Maps as I believe it has had the most recent focus of attention, but again, walking is unique as Distance Matrix is generally used for vehicle delivery scenarios in my experience.

Take a look at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-maps/how-to-use-best-practices-for-routing and see if this gives a different answer.

Generally, Distance Matrix does need to be called with multiple Origins and Destinations, a matrix of values, not just one each so I am surprised it gives a response.

Sincerely,

IoTGirl

Share via

Distances from "calculate a route" and "calculate a distance matrix" are different in Bing Maps API