CODEWITHSUNDEEP
javascriptgoogle-mapsgoogle-maps-api-3google-places-api
CyberJunkie
CyberJunkie

Reputation: 22684

Getting accurate results from Google Places Library

I'm using the Places Library to search any type of nearby places by keyword within a LatLngBounds rectangle.

For example if I search for pancakes I'll get restaurants with pancakes on their menu but it will also throw in an establishment with no relation like a juice bar.

How can I get the most accurate results by providing only a keyword? My nearby search request looks like this:

var request = {
    bounds: my_bounds, //The bounds within which to search for places
    keyword: document.getElementById("keyword").value,
    rankBy: google.maps.places.RankBy.PROMINENCE
};

I know that I can also specify a type in the request but that means that the user will have to choose an option from a list of types and I wish to keep search options as minimal as possible. Any kind advice is welcomed!

Upvotes: 1

Views: 1399

Answers (1)

Glenn
Glenn

Reputation: 26

I am really being selfish here and trying to find an answer to my post - but this question may be related and someone may be able to shine some more light on it for both of us.

I have noticed on a normal Google maps search (i.e. manually in a browser) if I search for: xxxxxx loc: yyyyyyyyyy where xxxxxx is a category such as "university" and yyyyyyyyyy (note the key "loc:" - for location in the middle) is the address I want to search around I get pretty accurate results. I just tested on "pancakes" and same thing. Also many of the sites have a "Category" which lists "pancakes" (or "university") that seems to show a closer match to what is wanted and/or that could be filtered on - better than using "type" or "name". This search also give distance to - which I want but which may not be important to you.

If anyone knows how to do such a "loc:" based search from the APIs that might be the answer to our questions (or maybe just mine)?

Upvotes: 1

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