google-maps-directions

name: google-maps-directions description: Calculate driving times distances and routes using Google Maps Directions API with real-time traffic data. Use when the user asks for drive time traffic directions commute time or routing between locations. Requires GOOGLE_PLACES_API_KEY environment variable same key works for Directions API. metadata: author: github.com/LeoSaucedo

Google Maps Directions

Overview

This skill enables accurate travel time and distance calculations using Google Maps Directions API with real-time traffic consideration. It provides drive times, distances, step-by-step directions, and traffic-aware duration estimates between any two locations.

Quick Start

Basic Drive Time Calculation

To get drive time between two locations:

./scripts/get_drive_time.sh "Origin Address" "Destination Address"

Example:

./scripts/get_drive_time.sh "123 Main St, Anytown USA" "Tech Hub Office, Anytown USA"

API Key Requirement

The skill requires GOOGLE_PLACES_API_KEY environment variable (same key used for goplaces skill). Verify it's set:

echo $GOOGLE_PLACES_API_KEY | wc -c  # Should show >0 characters

Core Capabilities

1. Drive Time with Traffic

Get normal duration and traffic-adjusted duration:

# Using the script
./scripts/get_drive_time.sh "Charlotte NC" "Raleigh NC"

# Direct curl (for reference)
curl "https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/directions/json?origin=Charlotte+NC&destination=Raleigh+NC&departure_time=now&key=$GOOGLE_PLACES_API_KEY"

Output includes:

• Distance (miles/km)
• Normal duration (without traffic)
• Duration with traffic (when available)
• Traffic delay calculation

2. Step-by-Step Directions

Get detailed turn-by-turn directions:

./scripts/get_directions.sh "Origin" "Destination"

The script returns:

• Total distance and time
• Each step with instructions
• Distance and time per step
• Maneuvers (turns, highway exits, etc.)

3. Multiple Travel Modes

Support for different travel modes:

• driving (default) - Car with traffic consideration
• walking - Pedestrian routes
• bicycling - Bike paths and routes
• transit - Public transportation

./scripts/get_directions.sh "Origin" "Destination" walking

4. Alternative Routes

Get multiple route options when available:

./scripts/get_alternate_routes.sh "Origin" "Destination"

Common Use Cases

Commute Time Calculation

./scripts/get_drive_time.sh "Home Address" "Work Address"

Trip Planning

./scripts/get_directions.sh "Charlotte NC" "Atlanta GA"

Real-time Traffic Check

./scripts/get_traffic_delay.sh "Current Location" "Destination"

Distance Matrix (Multiple Origins/Destinations)

See references/distance_matrix.md for advanced usage.

Error Handling

Common errors and solutions:

1. "ZERO_RESULTS": No route found between locations

   • Check address spelling
   • Try more general locations (city names instead of specific addresses)

2. "NOT_FOUND": Location not recognized

   • Use standard address format
   • Include city and state

3. "REQUEST_DENIED": API key issue

   • Verify GOOGLE_PLACES_API_KEY is set
   • Ensure Directions API is enabled in Google Cloud Console

4. No traffic data: duration_in_traffic missing

   • Traffic data may not be available for the route/time
   • Use departure_time=now parameter

Advanced Features

Departure Time Specification

Calculate travel time for future departures:

./scripts/get_drive_time.sh "Origin" "Destination" "tomorrow 8:00 AM"

Waypoints

Add intermediate stops to route:

./scripts/get_route_with_waypoints.sh "Start" "Stop1,Stop2,Stop3" "End"

Avoidances

Avoid tolls, highways, or ferries:

./scripts/get_directions.sh "Origin" "Destination" driving "tolls|highways"

Resources

scripts/

• get_drive_time.sh - Basic drive time with traffic
• get_directions.sh - Detailed turn-by-turn directions
• get_alternate_routes.sh - Multiple route options
• get_traffic_delay.sh - Traffic delay calculation
• get_route_with_waypoints.sh - Routes with intermediate stops

references/

• api_reference.md - Google Maps Directions API documentation
• error_codes.md - Complete error code reference
• distance_matrix.md - Advanced multi-point calculations
• best_practices.md - Usage tips and optimization

Performance Tips

1. Cache results for frequently queried routes
2. Batch requests using Distance Matrix API for multiple calculations
3. Use city names when precise addresses aren't needed (faster)
4. Set appropriate departure_time for accurate traffic data
5. Handle rate limits - Google API has usage limits

Integration Examples

With goplaces skill

# First find a place
goplaces search "coffee shop" --limit 1
# Then calculate drive time
./scripts/get_drive_time.sh "Current Location" "Coffee Shop Address"

For trip planning

# Calculate total trip time with multiple stops
./scripts/get_route_with_waypoints.sh "Home" "Gas Station,Grocery Store" "Destination"

Notes

• Traffic data is most accurate for current time and near-future
• Some rural areas may not have traffic data
• Walking and bicycling times don't include traffic considerations
• Transit times include schedule information when available
• API has daily usage limits (check Google Cloud Console)