Frequently Asked Questions

A carrier route is a postal delivery path used by the U.S. Postal Service to organize mail distribution. A carrier route map shows the boundaries of each delivery route, which can be useful for direct mail campaigns, service planning, or territory analysis. Businesses often use GIS mapping software to overlay carrier routes with customer or demographic data to improve targeting. OnTerra’s web mapping and routing services can help create customized carrier route maps for marketing or logistics planning.

A truck journey planner is a routing tool designed specifically for commercial vehicles. Unlike standard navigation apps, it factors in truck dimensions, weight restrictions, toll costs, and hazardous material regulations. This helps fleets avoid delays or fines. OnTerra offers solutions like RouteSavvy and truck routing APIs that help businesses plan efficient and compliant journeys.

A truck routing API is a programming interface that integrates truck-specific route calculations into software applications. Logistics companies, delivery firms, and fleet managers use truck routing APIs to ensure their drivers follow legal and efficient routes. OnTerra provides truck routing APIs, helping businesses embed truck routing capabilities into their systems.

Yes. Bing Maps satellite photos provide high-resolution imagery that can be embedded into applications or used for analysis. Developers can access Bing Maps satellite imagery through Bing Maps API keys. If your business needs licensed use of this data, OnTerra can help you obtain the correct Bing Maps license and integrate satellite imagery into your applications. Note – Bing Maps will be discontinued in 2028 and OnTerra can offer alternate satellite and aerial imagery options.

The “best” route mapping software depends on your business needs. Small fleets often look for tools that are affordable, easy to use, and can optimize multiple stops in seconds. Route optimization software like RouteSavvy is designed for businesses that need to cut mileage, fuel, and labor costs without the complexity (or high cost) of enterprise fleet systems.

Google Maps, HERE Technologies Bing Maps, and Azure Maps all use transaction-based pricing. Google Maps tends to be the most expensive for high-usage applications. Bing Maps and HERE Technologies pricing are generally more affordable, particularly for small to mid-sized businesses. OnTerra is an authorized HERE Technologies reseller and can help companies understand pricing tiers and select the right license for their usage.

Bing Maps API pricing is based on the number of transactions (such as geocoding requests, routing calculations, or map tile loads). Costs vary depending on whether the application is internal, public-facing, or tracking assets. OnTerra helps organizations estimate usage and purchase the right license to avoid overpaying.

HERE Technologies pricing is generally competitive with Bing Maps and Azure Maps, and often significantly less than Google Maps for large-scale applications. Businesses looking to cut costs often explore HERE Tehnologies licenses as a cost-effective alternative.

A HERE Technologies API key (sometimes called a HERE map key or HERE maps developer key) is a unique code that allows developers to use Bing Maps services in applications. You can get a key from Microsoft, but for commercial use you’ll need the correct license. OnTerra helps businesses acquire API keys that are legally licensed and set up for the right usage type.

Mapping services like Bing Maps, Azure Maps, and HERE require licensed API keys so providers can manage usage, enforce terms, and ensure data is used legally. If your business is building a commercial app, OnTerra can guide you through licensing requirements and help secure the right mapping API key.

Last mile delivery route optimization is the process of improving the efficiency of the final delivery leg from a hub or warehouse to the customer. It’s critical because the last mile often accounts for up to 50% of delivery costs. Route optimization software and routing APIs help reduce fuel, labor, and time while improving customer satisfaction. OnTerra offers tools like RouteSavvy that are designed specifically for small and mid-sized businesses focused on optimizing last mile delivery.

The HERE Traffic API provides live traffic flow and incident data that can be integrated into routing and logistics applications. HERE API is the broader suite of mapping and location services offered by HERE, which includes routing, search, and fleet tools.

Microsoft Azure Maps is a cloud-based mapping service that provides APIs for routing, traffic, geocoding, and spatial analysis. It is deeply integrated into Microsoft Azure cloud services, making it ideal for businesses already invested in the Azure ecosystem. OnTerra can help companies evaluate Azure Maps licensing alongside HERE Technologies options to find the most cost-effective solution.