sinnypan introduces the Azure Maps Geocode Autocomplete API, detailing its enhanced autocomplete capabilities, technical features, and integration scenarios for developers working with location data.

Introducing the Azure Maps Geocode Autocomplete API

The Azure Maps team has unveiled the Geocode Autocomplete API—a REST service crafted to modernize and upgrade autocomplete capabilities across Microsoft’s mapping platforms.

Why This API Matters

The Geocode Autocomplete API steps in as the next-generation solution replacing the Bing Maps Autosuggest REST API, following the deprecation of Bing Maps Enterprise. It’s engineered for use cases requiring fast, intelligent location suggestions, such as:

  • Store locators
  • Rideshare and dispatching platforms
  • Form autofill and address entry
  • Web UIs needing location input
  • Real estate search and delivery applications

Key Capabilities

  • Entity Suggestions: Supports identification of both Place entities (geographical regions, administrative districts, populated places, landmarks, postal codes) and Address entities (roads, point addresses).
  • Ranking Options: Results can be prioritized by entity popularity, user location (coordinates), and a bounding box.
  • Structured Output: Suggestions returned with structured address formats for seamless integration.
  • Multilingual Support: Choose query language preferences via the Accept-Language parameter.
  • Flexible Filtering: Further refine suggestions by country, region, or result type (e.g., restrict results to postal codes, addresses, or other entity subtypes as required for your application’s UX).

How to Use the API

The service is accessed via the endpoint:

https://atlas.microsoft.com/search/geocode:autocomplete

Example: Place Entity Autocomplete

GET https://atlas.microsoft.com/search/geocode:autocomplete?api-version=2025-06-01-preview&subscription-key={YourAzureMapsKey}&query=new yo&countryRegion=US

This returns structured suggestions (such as “New York City”) matching the partial input.

Example: Address Entity Autocomplete

GET https://atlas.microsoft.com/search/geocode:autocomplete?api-version=2025-06-01-preview&subscription-key={YourAzureMapsKey}&query=10 Downing st&countryRegion=GB

Returns address suggestions (e.g., “10 Downing Street” as an Address entity).

Integrating With Web Applications

Developers can wire the API to autocomplete fields, providing real-time, location-based suggestions in form entries and UIs. The API’s structured and filterable output ensures robust address and place selection experiences, suitable for global applications.

Why Now?

The new Geocode Autocomplete API offers precision, flexibility, and performance for a variety of real-world mapping scenarios. Whether building a dynamic dispatch system, a store locator, or enhancing address entry forms, this API can unlock richer, more interactive mapping experiences.

Get Started

Last updated: September 22, 2025

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