PTV xServer for Developers

APIs & SDKs for geographical & logistic needs

We know developers want two things: seamless integration and satisfied software users. PTV xServer equips developers with the tools they need to do just that. Select from and combine a large range of components, plugins, and APIs for all your logistical and geospatial needs including geocoding, digital maps, routing, optimisation and much more.

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Geocoding API

Convert addresses to geocoordinates and vice versa with high accuracy

What is the purpose of geocoding?

Geocoding is the process of converting addresses into sets of latitude and longitude coordinates and vice versa. It’s a prerequisite for all geolocation-based applications: It enables you to search and precisely display geographic locations on digital maps. Therefore, geocoding is the foundation for all mapping and vehicle routing and optimisation tasks.

Why geocode with PTV Geocoding API?

The PTV Geocoding API is a software developer component, available as a cloud-based web service or an on-premise solution. Due to its standardised interface, the component can be easily integrated into an existing software architecture. It handles geocoding requests quickly – for individual locations as well as for entire databases. The PTV Geocoding API offers maximum flexibility and highest precision: It allows you to enter address information without specific formatting requirements. We provide a highly accurate database, enabling perfect matching of geocoordinates and geolocations. Moreover, we supply detailed geocoding documentation as well as continuous training and support.

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Enter information using either free-form or structured input

As user of the PTV Geocoding API, you benefit from maximum flexibility: Use free-form input to enter addresses without considering the order of address elements, or use the structured input to determine the match quality of the single address elements.

Use forward and reverse geocoding

In forward geocoding, you start with an address or point of interest and end up with the corresponding coordinates consisting of a latitude and longitude. In reverse geocoding, you request a geographic location based on its coordinates. Our geocoding web service matches geocoordinates and addresses with highest precision.

Use batch geocoding to process large amounts of data at once

Batch geocoding enables you to group addresses and geocode them together. Due to less protocol overhead, you benefit from reduced network traffic and are able to geocode your whole database at once.  

Apply address verification to spot errors before they cause problems

Address validation checks your input data and evaluates the match quality of input and output to help you choose the correct address. This way you can be sure that you’re always working with up-to-date and clean data and avoid inefficiencies.

Rooftop accurate geocoordinates

The precise physical geocode of a delivery point may differ from the interpolated geocode for that same address. Thanks to rooftop geocoding with the PTV Geocoding API, you identify the exact latitude and longitude of an address, and are able to “put the pin” right in your customers’ driveway. This way, you can be certain that your drivers arrive exactly where they need to go and avoid searching for delivery entrances at their destination.

Postcode search API that handles all available formats

Regardless of length and formatting: Our postcode search API reliably locates postcodes globally.

Geocoding API Documentation

API Version 1 is our established solution that is widely used in the market. Your company has been a customer for a while and hasn't switched APIs recently? Then you're most likely interested in the documentation on 

API Version 1

If you want to see integration samples, you can check them out in the xServer API Version 1 Code Sample Browser.

API Version 2 is the future of PTV xServer as it's designed in a completely new framework. It is easier to understand and as a programmer, you will benefit from improved flexibility and consistency. If your company recently integrated PTV xServer into their software solution, is still in the middle of it or is planning an integration soon, you should look at 

API Version 2

Digital Maps API

Display geographical data and traffic information on interactive and customisable maps

What are digital maps good for?

Digital rendering – often referred to as digital mapping – is the process of visualising geographic data on digital maps. While early digital maps contained the same cartographic information as scanned versions of paper maps, the expansion of GPS has added many functionalities to digital maps, like the possibility to include points of interest and other location-based datasets. Digital rendering is a prerequisite for all geographical and logistical functions and crucial for tasks such as vehicle routing and optimisation.

  • Why integrate PTV xServer Digital Maps API?

    PTV looks back on four decades of experience in the field of digital maps and works closely with leading data and maps providers. Additionally, we have been solving challenges within transportation logistics for international customers for 40 years. We offer highest data quality and level of detail, a large amount of extended content and functionalities, and many options for customisation and individual tailoring of map look and feel. For instance, our map data includes highly detailed and accurate truck-specific information like weight limits for bridges, height restrictions for tunnels and access restrictions for trucks – particularly relevant in urban areas. Our Digital Maps API is a software developer component, available as an easy-to-use and integrable on-premise solution or a cloud-based web service. Due to its standardised interface, the component can be easily integrated into an existing software architecture. Additionally, as developer, you benefit from abundant documentation as well as continuous support.

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Configure your map display or use pre-defined map profiles

Our Digital Maps API enables you to configure the map display based on your requirements and taste. You would like to start working with the API immediately without making any modifications? No problem. We offer several pre-defined map profiles that are carefully designed to fit most standard use cases as an out-of-the-box-feature.

Visualise time-dependent data

Choose between different options for displaying time-dependent data: Either pick a point in time or a time span and visualise all valid data that matches your time preference.  

Localise your digital map with country-specific map configuration

We offer standard map profiles for different countries and continents. In these standard map profiles, the visible icons and descriptions are localised accordingly.

Build hybrid maps with single map layers

Request single layers to build your own hybrid map. Choose between pre-defined layers (e.g. background, labels, additional content layers displaying information like truck-specific attributes or live traffic information). Change the order of layers to draw the polyline of a route between streets and labels.

Display additional content data

We provide a lot of additional premium content and data such as statistical and time-dependent absolute speeds, truck-specific driving restrictions and real-time or forecasted traffic events. The Digital Maps API enables you to visualise this premium content to make optimum use of our logistical algorithms. 

Digital Maps API Documentation

API Version 1 is our established solution that is widely used in the market. Your company has been a customer for a while and hasn’t switched APIs recently? Then you’re most likely interested in the documentation on 

API Version 1

If you want to see integration samples, you can check them out in the xServer API Version 1 Code Sample Browser.

API Version 2 is the future of PTV xServer as it’s designed in a completely new framework. It is easier to understand and as a programmer, you will benefit from improved flexibility and consistency. If your company recently integrated PTV xServer into their software solution, is still in the middle of it or is planning an integration soon, you should look at 

API Version 2

Route Planning API

Plan and optimise truck-specific routes

Why truck-specific routing?

Various online-platforms offer free and easy-to-use route calculation. Professional truck and vehicle routing, however, provides much more than that. Many specific requirements and challenges need to be taken into account when optimising routes for commercial vehicles: Truck attributes like size, weight and speed profiles, access restrictions in inner-city areas, toll costs, legal provisions like driving times and rest periods as well as time restrictions such as opening hours of ramps and depots are just a few examples. Additionally, the route with the shortest travel time may not be the fastest or most fuel-efficient route. All these factors turn route optimisation for trucks into a real challenge. In transport logistics, however, efficiency is key in ensuring profitability and sustainable business success. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that commercial vehicles always take the optimal route available.

Why plan routes with PTV xServer?

The difference between freely available online tools and the routing optimisation components by PTV xServer lies in their ability to factor in all truck-related data and requirements: Since our founding four decades ago, we have accumulated abundant truck-specific data and acquired expert knowledge in optimising truck-specific routing. PTV xServer offers developer components that can be easily integrated into your existing system architecture and expands the routing capacities of your transport logistics software. The components are available as easy-to-use and integrable on-premise solution and as an even more powerful cloud-based web service for the most advanced use cases. Additionally, as developer, you benefit from abundant documentation as well as continuous support.

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Customise vehicle profiles to your needs or use standard reference profiles

Our Route Planning API allows you to customise vehicle profiles to your requirements or work with standard reference profiles. The standard reference profiles include continent-specific features like official weight classes in Europe, North America or Australia (EUR, NAM, AUS).

Calculate exact freight and tolls costs

Calculate exact toll costs based on vehicle attributes when planning routes and determine when toll-free routes are a viable alternative.

Time consideration modes

Factor start or desired arrival times into your routing. Specify schedules and timespans for longer periods, such as roadworks, to be considered in your planning.

Use on- and off-road waypoint types as part of your routing

Define waypoints on the road or off the road (e.g. buildings or facilities beside the road). Determine whether the distance between on- and off-road waypoints should be calculated as part of the route.

Consider relevant truck attributes

The PTV Route Planning API considers all relevant truck-specific attributes like length, height, weight, special cargo and access restrictions when calculating the optimum truck route. Additionally, it factors in live traffic information and traffic patterns to avoid congestion and circumvent bottlenecks.

Calculate exact emissions

Calculate exact emissions based on vehicle attributes and recognised standards like CEN, HBEFA, CO2e, COPERT.

Plan breaks under consideration of official or your own set of rules

Consider legal or your own set of rules regarding break and rest times and factor them into your route planning.

Route Planning API Documentation

API Version 1 is our established solution that is widely used in the market. Your company has been a customer for a while and hasn't switched APIs recently? Then you're most likely interested in the documentation on 

API Version 1

If you want to see integration samples, you can check them out in the xServer API Version 1 Code Sample Browser.

API Version 2 is the future of PTV xServer as it's designed in a completely new framework. It is easier to understand and as a programmer, you will benefit from improved flexibility and consistency. If your company recently integrated PTV xServer into their software solution, is still in the middle of it or is planning an integration soon, you should look at 

API Version 2

Toll Calculation API

Make sure your trucks are always driving on the most economic route

Why calculate toll in advance?

Since toll roads and tunnels have become common in most of Europe and North America, toll constitutes a significant share of overall transport costs. By reducing tolls, transportation costs can be decreased considerably. Precise toll calculation is the first step in this: Already factor applicable toll charges in when planning truck routes, compare alternatives, avoid toll roads if it makes sense and thereby make sure your trucks are always on the most economic available route.

Why calculate tolls with the Toll Calculation API by PTV xServer?

The PTV xServer Toll Calculation API is a software developer component, available as a cloud-based web service or an on-premise solution. Due to its standardised interface, the component can be easily integrated into an existing software architecture. It exactly and reliably determines applicable tolls when planning truck routes. Our database contains precise and up-to-date information on toll roads in most of Europe and North America. As soon as future increases are announced, they are updated in our database and considered for future trips. Sometimes it may make sense to take a small detour to avoid toll roads. The PTV Toll Calculation API balances time savings of toll roads and cost savings of detours and suggest the optimum route for your preferences.

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Precisely calculate toll costs

Calculate precise toll costs based on the vehicles’ specifications. Forecast toll costs for future trips by factoring in soon-to-come toll cost increases.

Consider different payment methods

Toll charges often vary depending on the payment method chosen (e.g. cash, credit card, electronic toll collection). The PTV Toll Calculation API takes the specified payment method into consideration and calculates your exact toll tariffs based on that.

Figure out when to avoid toll roads

Use the PTV Toll Calculation API to recognise and – if it makes sense – avoid toll roads within the route calculation.

Toll Calculation API Documentation

API Version 1 is our established solution that is widely used in the market. Your company has been a customer for a while and hasn’t switched APIs recently? Then you’re most likely interested in the documentation on 

API Version 1 

If you want to see integration samples, you can check them out in the xServer API Version 1 Code Sample Browser.

API Version 2 is the future of PTV xServer as it’s designed in a completely new framework. It is easier to understand and as a programmer, you will benefit from improved flexibility and consistency. If your company recently integrated PTV xServer into their software solution, is still in the middle of it or is planning an integration soon, you should look at 

API Version 2

Emissions Calculation API

Calculate and report your fleet’s emissions

What are the benefits of emissions calculation and reporting?

Between the Diesel scandal and the Paris Agreement, the last few years have been characterised by an increase of public scrutiny with regards to pollution control. What does this mean for the logistics sector? It means that more restrictive transport policies, especially regarding nitrogen and carbon emissions, are on the horizon. Curbing fuel consumption by optimising vehicle routing and minimising mileage is of course an integral part of reducing your fleet’s carbon footprint. However, we can expect more and more countries to implement mandatory emissions reporting programmes to systematically measure and monitor emissions. By then, the ability to accurately calculate and report all emissions, specifically CO2 and nitrogen, will become a deciding factor in your company’s success. 

Why work with the Emissions Calculation API by PTV xServer?

The PTV xServer Emissions Calculation API is a software developer component, available as a cloud-based web service or an on-premise solution. Due to its standardised interface, the component can be easily integrated into an existing software architecture. It takes a wide range of relevant factors into account: Actual mileage, truck attributes, vehicle classes, fuel consumption, the load and further important conditions like the gradient of a route. It calculates your fleet’s emissions footprint based on relevant standards, such as HBEFA or CEN, and gives you a detailed and exact overview of your emissions. This way, you can be sure to be in line with current regulations – and prepared for stricter legislation in the future. Moreover, the demand for CO2-neutral products and services is steadily growing. Using the Emissions Calculator API by PTV xSercer enables you to tap into this attractive new market and offer green logistics to environmentally-conscious customers.

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Features

Detailed information on usage and emissions

Use the PTV xServer Emissions Calculation API to receive detailed information about energy usage, CO2, Methane and Nitrous Oxide.

Calculate emissions based on all relevant standards

  • The CEN calculation based on values from 2011/2012
  • The French CO2 decree no. 2011-1336, Article L.1431-3:2011.
  • The emissions calculation based on the Australian National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA), factors July 2011 and December 2015.
  • The emissions calculation based on the emissions factors provided by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in the United Kingdom, factors 2014 (UK DEFRA).
  • The emissions calculation based on the Handbook Emission Factors for Road Transport (HBEFA), versions 2.1, 3.1 and 3.2
  • The emissions calculation based on the Computer Programme to calculate Emissions from Road Transport (COPERT) Australia software version 1.2

Emissions Calculation API Documentation

API Version 1 is our established solution that is widely used in the market. Your company has been a customer for a while and hasn’t switched APIs recently? Then you’re most likely interested in the documentation on 

API Version 1 

If you want to see integration samples, you can check them out in the xServer API Version 1 Code Sample Browser.

API Version 2 is the future of PTV xServer as it’s designed in a completely new framework. It is easier to understand and as a programmer, you will benefit from improved flexibility and consistency. If your company recently integrated PTV xServer into their software solution, is still in the middle of it or is planning an integration soon, you should look at 

API Version 2

Traffic Information API

Use live traffic and historical traffic data to avoid delays and optimise route calculation and scheduling

Why consider traffic information?

Roadworks, road closures and congestion can cause delays and lead to longer journey times. Circumventing bottlenecks is therefore key in ensuring optimised route calculation and scheduling. Two types of traffic information should be considered in routing: historical and live traffic. Historical traffic information, also known as traffic patterns, represent traffic flows as static speed profiles for specific road networks. To give one example: A road has a speed limit of 80 km/h. However, the actual average speed driven on this road on weekdays between 5 and 7 pm is 30 km/h. Since the delay occurs regularly - at the same time of any weekday – it is referred to as a traffic pattern. By factoring traffic patterns into route calculation, detours can be planned beforehand to minimise the need for spontaneous replanning. Live traffic data, on the other hand, delivers information on traffic incidents, road closures and delays that occur unexpectedly. Including live traffic information into route calculation minimises delays in journey times.

Why should you use the Traffic Information API by PTV xServer?

The PTV xServer Traffic Information API is a software developer component, available as a cloud-based web service or an on-premise solution. Due to its standardised interface, the component can be easily integrated into an existing software architecture. It considers both live traffic and traffic patterns: Live traffic information is visualised on customised digital maps. Traffic patterns are visualised as hydrographs showing the rate of flow versus time of the day. This enables you to gain quick insight into traffic patterns, and based on this knowledge, plan detours before bottlenecks occur. A detour around a bottleneck is not possible or would not make sense? Then, the expected delay is factored into your route plan and the estimated time of arrival is revised.

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Consider both historic and live traffic information in your route planning

Historic traffic information, also known as traffic patterns, represents driven speeds on road segments in the past. The live traffic information includes current road restrictions and incidents as well as planned road maintenance and closures in the future.

Save time by automating your data updates

The PTV Content Update Service (CUS) automatically downloads additional data like live traffic information, manages the data status and deletes obsolete data. You can choose both the update method and update frequency.

Visualise traffic information with standardised or customised maps

Configure the visualisation of traffic information on personalised maps based on your requirements and taste. You would like to start working with the API immediately without making any modifications? No problem. We offer standardised map profiles that are carefully designed to fit most standard use cases as an out-of-the-box-feature.

API Documentation

API Version 1 is our established solution that is widely used in the market. Your company has been a customer for a while and hasn’t switched APIs recently? Then you’re most likely interested in the documentation on 

API Version 1   

If you want to see integration samples, you can check them out in the xServer API Version 1 Code Sample Browser.

API Version 2 is the future of PTV xServer as it’s designed in a completely new framework. It is easier to understand and as a programmer, you will benefit from improved flexibility and consistency. If your company recently integrated PTV xServer into their software solution, is still in the middle of it or is planning an integration soon, you should look at API Version 2

Fleet Planning & Optimisation API

Plan, schedule and optimise truck routes to ensure the most efficient use of your fleet

Why use software to plan and optimise fleet use?

Route optimisation is a complex challenge: Imagine you want to plan the optimum trip for one driver who is to carry out five orders in one trip. Even in this seemingly simple scenario, 120 different routes are available. With more vehicles and stops as well as other relevant factors like truck attributes, traffic patterns and time restrictions to consider, the routing problem becomes much more complex and challenging to solve. Optimisation and scheduling software enables you to find the optimum route more easily and to schedule pickups and deliveries for most optimal fleet use.

Why use the Fleet Planning & Optimisation API by PTV xServer?

PTV xServer is global market leader in dynamic route optimisation. No other tool delivers optimal trips that consider both rush hours and roadworks. Our software solutions for route optimisation and scheduling are built on the knowhow and experience from four decades in transport and logistics planning.

No matter how complex your optimisation and scheduling problem – the Fleet Planning & Optimisation API by PTV xServer is up for the challenge. The API is available as a cloud-based web service or an on-premise solution. Due to its standardised interface, the component can be easily integrated into an existing software architecture.

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Plan and optimise routes for any fleet size

The Fleet Planning & Optimisation API factors all vehicles, tractors and trailers at your disposal as well as all combination possibilities into route planning.

Factor time restrictions into route planning

Consider legal or your own set of rules regarding break and rest times and factor them into your route planning. Consider additional time restrictions such as opening hours of depots and ramps.

Define your personal optimisation goal

Do you want to minimise vehicle deployment? Distribute the workload equally on your drivers? Regardless of your preferences - the Fleet Planning & Optimisation API calculates the optimum result for your goal. 

Consider traffic patterns and ongoing construction

PTV xServer is global market leader in dynamic route optimisation. This means that the software considers rush hours as well as ongoing construction already while planning routes.

Flexibly change trips thanks to live dispatching

Did an accident just occur on your planned route? Did an order got cancelled or added last minute? No problem! The Fleet Planning & Optimisation API enables you to intervene manually when things don’t go as planned to make sure that your vehicles stick the most optimal schedule and route.

Consider relevant truck attributes

Define your vehicles’ attributes (e.g. size, length and weight as well as loading capacity, special cargo and speed profiles). The API delivers the optimum route that considers all truck-specific attributes as well as access restrictions in inner-city areas as well as toll charges.

Fleet Optimisation API Documentation

API Version 1 is our established solution that is widely used in the market. Your company has been a customer for a while and hasn’t switched APIs recently? Then you’re most likely interested in the documentation on 

API Version 1 

If you want to see integration samples, you can check them out in the xServer API Version 1 Code Sample Browser.

API Version 2 is the future of PTV xServer as it’s designed in a completely new framework. It is easier to understand and as a programmer, you will benefit from improved flexibility and consistency. If your company recently integrated PTV xServer into their software solution, is still in the middle of it or is planning an integration soon, you should look at 

API Version 2

Fleet Tracking API

Use GPS tracking to locate your fleet in real-time