Google Maps Platform. What’s changing? What’s new?
On June 11th, 2018 the implementation of a new model for using Google Maps APIs will begin
In the first place, these changes will apply to key-less usage of map services, as well as existing users of the Standard Plan (free key).
Crucial changes:
Key-less requests will not be supported by Google anymore and they will return low-resolution maps with a watermark.
A unified billing system through the Google Maps Platform will be introduced for all users.
All customers will receive monthly $ 200 to cover APIs usage.
All customers will receive 24/5 technical support.
There will be new APIs: Dynamic Street View, Directions Advanced, Distance Matrix Advanced, Find Place, Autocomplete by Session, and Places API will be divided into 4 levels of detail: Basic, Basic + Contact, Basic + Atmosphere, Basic + Contact + Atmosphere.
All users exceeding the free $ 200 usage of mapping services will be able to choose the place and method of billing – independently by credit card or by invoices through the Partner.
Why it is worth to choose billing through the Partner?
We advise on optimization of APIs usage.
We constitute the first line of technical support.
We offer more price tiers comparing to credit card billing.
We invoice in local and foreign currencies (USD, EUR).
We adjust the settlement period to the customer’s needs – monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual settlements.
Free key
Are you currently using Google Maps Standard Plan?
After June 11th you will still be able to use Google Maps for free in your solutions.
On the Google Maps Platform, everyone will receive $ 200 a month to cover Google Maps APIs free usage, which is sufficient, for example, for:
28,000 loads of Dynamic Maps , or
100,000 loads of Static Maps, or
40,000 requests to Directions, or
11,000 requests to Places (Basic).
Detailed information can be found at Google Maps platform.
Continuing to work with Google Maps will require activating billing option, even if free $ 200 a month covers yours needs for map services.
You can do it in two ways:
Yourself, by attaching a credit card to your account.
Through the Partner.
Detailed information on how to set up a billing account yourself can be found at User Guide.
With a monthly usage of more than 500,000 requests for individual APIs, contact us for better pricing conditions.
If you still have questions, contact us. We will be happy to help.
Paid key
Are you currently using Google Maps Premium Plan?
You do not have to worry about anything. Your license is valid for 12 months or until the map credits are exhausted.
Premium Plan customers will be gradually transferred to the Google Maps Platform from September 1st. The change of the licensing model does not entail any changes in your code.
On the Google Maps Platform, everyone will receive free $ 200 a month to cover Google Maps APIs usage.
The usage will be settled according to the Price list available on the Google Maps Platform website.
With a monthly usage of more than 500,000 requests for individual APIs, contact us for better pricing conditions.
If your license expires before September 1st or you have additional questions, please contact us.
We will be happy to help.
What key?
If your website or application uses Google Maps APIs without an individual key, after June 11th you can expect the following changes in their work:
Requests to the JavaScript API and Street View API will return low quality images with a watermark: “for development purposes only”.
Requests to the Static Maps API, Directions API, Distance Matrix API, Geocoding API, Geolocation API, Places API, Roads API, and Time Zone API will return an error.
What should you do if you want to continue using the maps?
You have to create an account on the Google Maps Platform. You can do it in two ways.
YOURSELF
Go to the Google Maps Platform website Google Maps Platform
Select the GET STARTED option.
Choose products you will use (you can choose from MAPS, ROUTES, PLACES).
Create a project.
Attach a credit card to the project.
Generate an API key.
Implement the key in your solutions.
Through the PARTNER
Contact us – we will do the registration for you and we will settle your APIs usage with invoices.
All registered users, regardless of how they are billed, receive free $ 200 a month to cover Google Maps APIs usage.
The usage will be settled according to the Price list available on the Google Maps Platform website
With a monthly usage of more than 500,000 requests for individual APIs, contact us for better pricing conditions.