Mapbox just launched Smart Directions. Developers can now program routing profiles with the same level of customization that we bring to our map designs. This means full control over a key building block for location-based applications. Mapbox Smart Directions allows for custom routing profiles that work like a set of rules saying how users can get from Point A to Point B. It's no longer just about the shortest or fastest route — now you can have the most energy efficient route for your electric car, or a route with the steepest hills for training, or you can set your skill level to see only the mountain bike trails with which you're comfortable.

Smart Directions is now live in production and launching today across the entire fleet of Scoot scooters in San Francisco. Scoot is an amazing scooter sharing service — it's like Car2GO for scooters, currently with 50 electric scooters around the city and doubling in the next few months.

Scoot rider preparing their route

Pick up a scooter from one place and drop it off at another. You open up the Scoot app, find a scooter near you, reserve it by the half hour, and you're off.

Now using Mapbox Smart Directions, Scoot riders are routed around steep hills, kept off highways, and even steered clear of streets with cable cars — with alternative routes given where convenient.

Smart Directions gets Scoot riders to their destination faster and safer — and all on a totally custom-designed map that matches Scoot's hot brand.

Navigating off of the highway

Scooting up The Wiggle to avoid busy streets and steep hills

Try it out for yourself!