Custom Map UI for Mobile Navigation Apps – Any Open APIs?

I’m experimenting with a mobile project that involves simplified map UI and real-timer user interaction for casual games. Not navigation exactly, but we’re building a system that mimics the Waze experience (visual cues, icons, direction triggers).

It’s part of a gaming project where users “race” through custom maps — kind of like an interactive overlay. Think of it like how mod menus give toggles and on-screen guidance in games like Stumble Guys.

Our prototype uses map tiles + user positioning (via Google APIs), but I’d love to know:

  1. Does Waze offer any open or public-facing map layer APIs?
  2. Can a custom mobile interface communicate with Waze in the background (e.g., for alerts)?
  3. Is there any precedent for community-based UI overlays?