Is there some sort of API or tool to programmatically navigate Google Maps?

Question

I have been trying to find some sort of tool to help me with my automation efforts. What I am trying to do is navigate through Google Maps. For example, on the search box, I type Napa,CA. Let's say I want to simulate, navigating west of Napa, and then do a couple of zooms.

So far I have something hacked with Sikuli and Selenium, but I am not 100% confident about this solution. Basically, I use different images next to Napa to help me navigate to the desired location and use Selenium to find the zoom in and out elements.

Is there such thing or am I being delusional?

Answer 1

Yes, there is an API: https://developers.google.com/maps/

You probably want the web API. It's JavaScript, so that may not work for you depending on what you're trying to accomplish, but you could be using the panBy and setZoom methods to move the map around.