DENVER, USA: Useful Networks, developer of location-based products and services for mobile and Web, announces the availability of mapNinja, a fully touch-enabled map viewer, which enables rapid development of location-relevant applications for iPhone and iTouch.

The mapNinja software development kit (SDK) enables developers to embed an interactive map viewer within their native iPhone applications in just three lines of code.

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Prior to mapNinja, iPhone developers had limited and unappealing options when deciding how to incorporate mapping into their iPhone apps.

Previous options included shutting down the app and linking to the pre-loaded maps application on the iPhone, using static map images which don’t offer interactivity, or investing heavily in creating a map viewer from scratch.

“Developers and iPhone users deserve a map interaction worthy of an incredible platform like the iPhone,” said Brian Levin, CEO of Useful Networks.

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“The mapNinja SDK finally makes it easy for developers to take advantage of the remarkable potential for both location-centric apps on the iPhone, as well as adding location and maps as a convenient feature in those instances when location is not necessarily the core focus of the app,” added Levin.

Key features of mapNinja include touch-enabled pan and zooming, customizable background loading tiles, the ability to display multiple map types (satellite, road, hybrid), vector and image graphics overlays, developer documentation and continuous re-centering in auto-tracking mode.

The mapNinja SDK also includes connectivity to four different mapping providers including Microsoft Virtual Earth, CloudMade and Useful Networks mapping services, giving developers the choice of up to 12 different map styles.

Several licensing options, including a no-fee ad-supported license, will be available to suit the needs of commercial iPhone development shops, as well as independent iPhone developers.