Longdo Map API – Geospatial Services for Thailand

Overview

Longdo Map is a geospatial platform designed to provide mapping and location services with a strong emphasis on Thailand. Established in 2002, the platform offers a suite of APIs and a JavaScript SDK for developers to integrate detailed Thai geographical information into their applications. Its core strength lies in its comprehensive coverage and accuracy of Thai mapping data, including street networks, points of interest, and address geocoding specific to the region.

Developers utilize Longdo Map for various applications, such as building interactive maps for websites, implementing location-based search functionalities, and developing navigation or logistics solutions within Thailand. The platform's APIs include the Longdo Map API for displaying base maps and overlays, the Longdo Geocoding API for converting addresses to coordinates and vice-versa, the Longdo Routing API for calculating directions, and the Longdo Search API for finding places and businesses. While the documentation is primarily in Thai, with some English translations, its specialized data for Thailand positions it as a key resource for projects requiring precise local context.

For instance, a logistics company operating in Bangkok could use the Longdo Geocoding API to accurately resolve Thai street addresses for delivery routes, overcoming potential ambiguities that might arise with general-purpose geocoders. Similarly, a tourism application could integrate the Longdo Search API to help users discover local attractions, restaurants, or hotels with detailed Thai-specific data. The platform's focus on a single geographic region allows for a depth of data and localized features that broader global mapping services might not offer for Thailand, making it a specialized tool for developers targeting this market.

The Longdo Map JavaScript SDK simplifies the process of embedding interactive maps into web applications, providing methods for displaying map tiles, adding markers, and drawing shapes. This SDK abstracts much of the underlying API complexity, allowing developers to focus on application logic rather than low-level map rendering. For projects with specific Thai-centric requirements, Longdo Map provides a tailored solution that includes localized data and algorithms for routing and search.

Key features

• Map Display API: Provides interactive base maps from various sources, including OpenStreetMap and proprietary Longdo Map data, optimized for display within Thailand. Developers can customize map styles and overlays.
• Geocoding API: Converts Thai addresses into geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) and performs reverse geocoding to translate coordinates back into human-readable Thai addresses. This is crucial for applications that require precise location identification within Thailand, such as delivery services or location-aware marketing.
• Routing API: Calculates optimal routes between two or more points within Thailand, considering various transportation modes and real-time traffic conditions where available. This supports logistics, ride-sharing, and personal navigation applications.
• Search API: Enables searching for points of interest (POIs), businesses, and specific locations across Thailand. The search functionality is tailored to local data, improving relevance for Thai users.
• JavaScript SDK: A client-side library designed to simplify the integration of Longdo Map services into web applications. It provides functionalities for map manipulation, marker placement, and interaction handling directly in the browser.
• Traffic Information: Integrates real-time and historical traffic data for major Thai cities, allowing for more accurate estimated travel times and route suggestions.
• Location-Based Services: Supports features such as finding nearby places, calculating distances, and defining geofences for location-aware applications.

Pricing

Longdo Map offers a free tier and various paid plans based on API call volume. As of May 2026, the pricing structure is as follows:

For detailed and up-to-date pricing information, refer to the Longdo Map pricing page.

Common integrations

Longdo Map APIs and SDKs are designed for direct integration into web and mobile applications using standard web technologies. While specific integration guides for third-party platforms are not extensively documented, developers can integrate Longdo Map services with:

• Web Frameworks: Utilize the Longdo Map JavaScript SDK within front-end frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js to embed interactive maps and location functionalities.
• Backend Services: Incorporate the RESTful Geocoding, Routing, and Search APIs into server-side applications built with Node.js, Python, Java, or PHP to process location data.
• Mobile Applications: Directly call the REST APIs from native iOS (Swift/Objective-C) or Android (Java/Kotlin) applications to leverage Longdo Map's specialized Thai data.
• Data Visualization Tools: Export geocoded data to tools for creating custom maps and visualizations, though direct connectors are not specified.

Alternatives

When considering geospatial services, particularly for a global or more generalized scope, several alternatives offer similar or broader functionalities:

• Google Maps Platform: Offers global mapping, geocoding, routing, and places services with extensive documentation and community support, though its Thai-specific data may not be as granular as Longdo Map's. Developers can compare the feature sets for specific regional needs.
• Mapbox: Provides customizable maps, location data, and developer tools for building location-aware applications worldwide. Mapbox focuses on design flexibility and detailed vector maps.
• HERE Technologies: Specializes in location data, mapping, and platform services for automotive, logistics, and real estate industries, offering global coverage with a focus on enterprise solutions.
• ArcGIS Platform by Esri: A comprehensive set of APIs and SDKs for building mapping and spatial analysis applications, catering to a wide range of GIS professionals and developers.
• W3C Geolocation API: For basic client-side location detection in web browsers, the W3C Geolocation API provides a standard way to obtain a user's geographical position.

Getting started

To begin using Longdo Map for a web application, you typically embed the JavaScript SDK and initialize a map. This example demonstrates how to display a basic map centered on Bangkok, Thailand.

First, include the Longdo Map JavaScript SDK in your HTML file:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Longdo Map Basic Example</title>
    <meta charset="utf-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <script type="text/javascript" src="https://map.longdo.com/mmmap/mmmap.php?key=<YOUR_API_KEY>"></script>
    <style>
        html, body { height: 100%; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
        #map { height: 100%; width: 100%; }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <div id="map"></div>
    <script>
        function init() {
            var map = new longdo.Map({ 
                placeholder: document.getElementById('map')
            });
            map.location({ lat: 13.7563, lon: 100.5018 }, true); // Center map on Bangkok
            map.zoom(10); // Set initial zoom level
        }

        // Ensure the Longdo Map library is loaded before initializing
        if (window.longdo) {
            init();
        } else {
            window.onload = init;
        }
    </script>
</body>
</html>

Replace <YOUR_API_KEY> with your actual API key obtained from the Longdo Map developer portal. This code initializes a full-screen map centered on Bangkok and sets a zoom level of 10. The init() function is called once the Longdo Map library is loaded, ensuring proper initialization. Further examples and API methods are available in the Longdo Map API reference for adding markers, layers, and interacting with map events.