Coverage Area

A coverage area is the geographic boundary within which your routing or transit app can reliably calculate and display directions. When integrating with Apple Maps, you define this boundary using GeoJSON polygon geometry inside your routing app coverage file. Apple uses these boundaries to determine when your app should appear as a directions option for a given trip.

Defining Your Coverage Area

You express coverage areas as GeoJSON Polygon or MultiPolygon features with coordinates in the WGS 84 system. Each polygon outlines a region where your app has the data and capability to provide directions. A cycling app that operates only in Berlin would define a polygon around the city, while a national transit app might use a MultiPolygon spanning several metropolitan areas. The coordinates should follow the right-hand rule, listing exterior ring points in counterclockwise order.

Accuracy and Maintenance

Keeping your coverage area accurate is essential for a good user experience. If your polygon is too large, Apple Maps will offer your app for trips you cannot fulfill, leading to failed requests. If it is too small, users within your actual service area will never see your app as an option. As your service expands or contracts, update the GeoJSON in your routing app coverage file and submit a new version to Apple for review.