Creating a travel time isochrone map is easy
When using the TravelTime platform API it’s possible to create travel time isochrones using multiple modes of transport – a more relevant alternative to geodistance searching. In one API call you can generate a travel time shape, filter points of interest by travel time and generate A to B routes. Need to learn more about the difference between geodistance and isochrones? Check out our isochrone guide page for more detail.
- Within any existing GIS platform
- On any website or app
- On top of any map you like – whether it’s Leaflet, a Google Map or any another provider - check out our tutorial using Leaflet here
Replace geodistance queries
In order to generate this shape the API needs:
- An arrival / departure time (Depart at 6pm, Wednesday evening)
- A mode of transport (public transport)
- A point of origin (Waterloo)
- The maximum travel time (45 mins)
Arrival / Departure time
The example above draws an isochrone map assuming the user needs to depart at 6pm rather than arrive at this time – similar to how the standard ‘near me’ search works. Switching to arrival time would change this shape as the example below shows.
Use case for generating maps with an arrival time: someone searching for a new job can see which locations are reachable within a 1 hour commute if they were to arrive at 9am. It assumes the user can depart from the point of origin up to 1 hour before their specified arrival time.
Use case for drawing maps with a departure time: a supermarket can set up a geofence area within 10 minutes drive of a store. This will push a message to any customers with the app, alerting them to any local offers.
Mode of transport
- Walking
- Cycling
- Driving (See our tutorial for drive time polygons here)
- Public transport
- Train
- Tube
- Bus
- Coach
- Ferry
- As well as combining modes such as driving and train or cycling and ferry
Point of origin / interest
The API can create isochrones assuming there is more than one point of origin. When there is more than one point of origin, isochrone map layers can:
Display two separate isochrones
Merge the two shapes together (as a union)
Highlight the intersecting area
Use cases:
- A family looking for an ideal location to buy a new home that’s within reach of their current workplace or school location
- A retailer plotting the best location of a new store based on their current store locations, their competitor’s stores and their customer base
Maximum travel time
This is specified within seconds using the API, however it can account for up to 12 hours total travel time. Not a developer? No problem, make a map free below with our own app,
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