Getting Started

In the following sections of this documentation, we will guide you through the installation process, step-by-step implementation, and usage of Nextbillion.ai's Flutter Navigation SDK. Whether you are a seasoned Flutter developer or just getting started, this documentation will serve as your comprehensive guide to utilizing our Navigation SDK effectively.

Prerequisites

Before integrating the SDK into your application, ensure that your development environment meets the following prerequisites:

Access Key: To utilize Nextbillion.ai's Flutter Navigation SDK, developers must obtain an access key, which serves as the authentication mechanism for accessing the SDK's features and functionalities.

Platform Requirements:

• Android: The minimum supported Android SDK version for using the Flutter Navigation SDK is API level 17 (Android 4.2, "Jelly Bean") or higher.

• iOS: The SDK is compatible with iOS 11 or later versions.

Flutter Compatibility: The Flutter Navigation SDK requires Flutter version 3.10 or higher to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance with the Flutter framework.

CocoaPods: For iOS projects, the SDK requires CocoaPods version 1.11.3 or newer to manage dependencies effectively and ensure proper integration with iOS projects.

Build Configuration: Developers need to ensure that the Build Libraries for Distribution option, available under build settings, is set to No. This configuration is crucial to prevent potential distribution issues when packaging the application for distribution or release.

Installation

To install NextBillion.ai's Flutter Navigation SDK into your Flutter project, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Add Dependency

Add the following dependency to your project's pubspec.yaml file, replacing {version} with the actual version of the SDK that you want to use. For the latest version, check out the Flutter Navigation Plugin

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dependencies:
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  nb_navigation_flutter: {version}

Ensure that you have the correct version specified to utilize the latest features and improvements.

Step 2: Import the Plugin

In your Dart code, Import the Navigation plugin to access its functionalities:

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import 'package:nb_navigation_flutter/nb_navigation_flutter.dart';

Step 3: Initialization

To run the Maps Flutter Plugin you will need to configure the NB Maps Token at the beginning of your Flutter app using NextBillion.initNextBillion(YOUR_ACCESS_KEY). Obtain your access key from NextBillion.ai and initialize it as follows:

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import 'package:nb_maps_flutter/nb_maps_flutter.dart';
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import 'package:nb_navigation_flutter/nb_navigation_flutter.dart';
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class _NavigationDemoState extends State<NavigationDemo> {
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  @override
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  void initState() {
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    super.initState();
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    NextBillion.initNextBillion(YOUR_ACCESS_KEY);
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  }
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}

Replace YOUR_ACCESS_KEY with the access key provided to you by NextBillion.ai. This initialization step is essential to authenticate your app and enable seamless communication with NextBillion.ai's services.

Required Permissions

To ensure the proper functioning of NextBillion.ai's Flutter Navigation SDK, you need to grant location permissions and declare them for both Android and iOS platforms.

Android

Add the following permissions to the AndroidManifest.xml file:

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<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION" />
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<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION" />
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<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE"/>
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<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION"/>
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<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />

The ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION and ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION permissions allow the app to access the user's location, and the FOREGROUND_SERVICE permission is necessary for background location updates and navigation services.

iOS

The Info.plist file needs to be explicitly configured in order to ensure the seamless and transparent integration of location-based features within your iOS application. This step not only ensures compliance with user privacy expectations but also allows your app to access location data while running in the background accurately.

The following are the key steps to correctly configure your Info.plist file:

Getting Location Access

The NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription and NSLocationAlwaysUsageDescription keys must be defined in your Info.plist file, which is located in the Runner folder of your Flutter project. These keys give users a clear and concise explanation of why your app requires access to their location data. This proactive approach promotes transparency and trust among your app's users.

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<key>NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription</key>
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<string>[Your explanation here]</string>
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<key>NSLocationAlwaysUsageDescription</key>
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<string>[Your explanation here]</string>

Replace [Your explanation here] with a brief but informative description of why your app requires access to the user's location data. This description should clearly communicate the value that users will receive by granting this access.

Enabling Background Location Updates

The UIBackgroundModes key must be defined to enable location updates even when your app is running in the background. The location value is specified within this key, indicating that your app intends to use background location services. In addition, an audio mode is included to ensure that your app continues to receive location updates while audio services are active.

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<key>UIBackgroundModes</key>
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<array>
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   <string>location</string>
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   <string>audio</string>
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</array>

This setting enables your app to keep accurate location data even when it is not actively in the foreground, resulting in a more seamless user experience for location-based functionalities.

By configuring these elements meticulously within your Info.plist file, you ensure that your application complies with privacy regulations, respects user preferences, and provides the best possible experience when utilizing location-based features, both in the foreground and background.

Checking and Granting Permissions

Before using location-related functionalities in your Flutter app, check if the app has location permissions, and request permission if it has not been granted yet.

By adhering to these steps, you ensure that your app has the necessary permissions to utilize the location component of NextBillion.ai's Flutter Navigation SDK effectively. This enables you to provide seamless and reliable navigation services and deliver an exceptional user experience to your app's users.