The latest version of Google’s flagship Maps product, the Places API, is now available! This update empowers website and app developers to provide users with even richer and more useful information. Let’s delve into the new capabilities of the Places API!
What is the Google Places API Solution?
The Google Places API delivers extensive information about addresses and points of interest on maps, enhanced with photos and user reviews.
In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential for any business. Clients across all industries demand quick access to accurate details like business addresses, operating hours, contact information, and user ratings. To stay ahead of the competition, showcasing your business online is crucial.
The best way to achieve this is by leveraging the world’s most recognizable map platform!
Explore the new features of the Places API that will make your maps more effective, attract new customers, and help users find services that meet their specific needs.
What Are the Capabilities of the New Places API? A Comparison with the Previous Version
The new Places API introduces significant enhancements over its predecessor. Here’s a look at the key improvements:
Access to Over 200 Million Businesses and Points of Interest
The new Places API provides access to a much larger database, making it an even more versatile tool for companies and developers seeking detailed location information.
Expanded List of Place Types
The API now includes a broader range of place types, such as museums, hotels, and restaurants. This expansion makes it easier for users to find exactly what they’re looking for.
Dynamic Real-Time Data
With the new API, users can access real-time data such as current prices at gas stations. EV charging stations can also provide information on real-time charger availability.
Improved Search and Filtering
Enhanced features like automated search and filtering by place type, ratings, and other criteria offer new and efficient ways to find businesses.
Detailed Information About Locations – the new Places API offers more comprehensive details about businesses, including:
- Available payment methods
- Types of available parking (free, paid, street, garage, etc.)
- Pet-friendly status
- Availability of restrooms
- Outdoor seating options
- Wheelchair accessibility
| Feature | The New Places API | The Previous Places API |
| Database | Over 200 million companies and points of interest | Much smaller database |
| Place types | Wider range of place types, e.g., museums, stadiums, parks | Smaller range of place types |
| Information about places | Detailed information, including photos, opening hours, ratings, reviews, restroom & parking availability, and more | Less detailed information about places |
| Searching | Improved searching with automated features and more detailed filtering | Less advanced searching features |
| Performance | Improved performance | Weaker performance |
| Pricing | Usage-based pricing model | Different, complicated pricing models |
What Are the Benefits of Migrating to the New Places API?
Considering whether to upgrade to the new Places API? Here are some compelling reasons to make the switch:
- Enhanced App Performance: The new Places API significantly improves the performance of apps using the API.
- Increased Data Security: With implementation on Google’s Cloud infrastructure, the new API ensures more secure data and access.
- Consistent Response Data: The new Places API standardizes response data, so the Place Details, Nearby Search, and Text Search APIs all return consistent data for a place.
- Access to New Features: Benefit from the latest features and improvements.
- Simplified Pricing: The usage-based pricing model means you’re only billed for the data requested by your users.
Getting Started with the New Places API
If You’re a New Google Maps Platform User
Planning to implement the Places API on your website or app? We recommend choosing the new Places API. Check out Google’s guide to get started with Google Maps Platform and follow the instructions for setting up Google Cloud projects.
Need assistance? Don’t hesitate to contact us!
If You’re Already Using Google Maps Platform and Places API
Existing Places API users should review their current usage to determine whether to migrate to the new version. As a Google Cloud Premier Partner, we can assist you with this process. Let us know if you need help.
Ready to upgrade to the new Places API features? You can migrate specific APIs based on your needs, such as adopting the new Autocomplete API while continuing to use the previous Nearby Search API. Learn more on Google’s migration page.
The New Places API Use Cases
Discover the diverse possibilities the new Places API offers to companies across various industries:
Hotels and Eateries
Hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars can attract more customers by highlighting features that meet specific needs. With the new Places API attributes, businesses can showcase whether they:
- Offer a kids menu
- Play live music
- Provide outdoor seating
- Serve cocktails
- Serve desserts
- Are kid-friendly
- Are pet-friendly
- Have restrooms
- Accommodate groups
- Are suitable for watching sports
Real Estate
Real estate websites and apps can enhance inclusivity by including accessibility details like wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms. They can also cater to motorized users by providing information about available parking.
EV Industry
The new Places API is invaluable for electric vehicle charging stations and developers of navigation apps. Users can optimize routes by considering available charging stations, including real-time details like connector types and maximum charging speeds.
We encourage you to test the new Places API and explore its capabilities! As a Google Cloud Premier Partner, we can help you harness the full potential of this solution. Join our free consultation, and we’ll answer all your questions and assist you in migrating to the new API.