The Google Maps API is evolving toward a brand new system that seeks to reduce overuse and implements a pay-as-you-go platform. This affects everyone who uses Google Maps on their website. Starting June 11, 2018, all Google Maps API users will need a single account and a unique API key for each website on which usage can be tracked. In addition, users will need to add a credit card to their account.
This guide will help you determine whether the changes affect your business and what steps to take to keep using the new benefits of the Google Maps API platform.
Google Maps API overview
In 2016, Google Maps announced that it would stop supporting keyless usage. In plain terms, requests made without an API key or client ID would not be processed. This change took effect on June 11, 2018.
From that date, if your website makes a keyless API call to the Maps API or the Street View API, you will be redirected to a low-resolution map with the words “for development purposes only.” The Directions API, Distance API, Static Maps API, Places API, Geolocation API, Geocoding API and Time Zone API will return an error.
To avoid service interruptions and a broken map on your website, every business that uses Google Maps must go to the Google Maps Platform to create a billing account and generate an API key for transactions. At PUBLI WEB MEDIA, we will help our clients manage this change, since it requires a website update.
How to keep using Google Maps
Google Maps users currently fall into one of three categories: there are clients with an API key, others who don’t know whether they have an API key, and then there are others who have no key and knowingly made API calls without one. Here is what you need to do depending on where you fall.
If you have an API key
For standard plan customers, check the transition tool. There you will learn about all the changes made to the Google Maps APIs in your projects and get notifications about any necessary adjustments.
Again, the service will be largely free for the vast majority of websites, but Google will track your usage and if you exceed their 28,000 loads or the $200 monthly credit, they will bill you for the overage. In our view, it seems that only maps generating very large traffic, such as those of Uber or Airbnb, have the potential to exceed it.
If you are not sure you have an API key
Use the transition tool to find out whether your projects have valid API keys. For Chrome users, you can also install and use the Maps API Checker extension to check for valid API keys. You can also consult the Google Maps user guide to find a detailed guide for checking the validity of your API keys manually.
You can also use the transition tool to check whether your project has an active billing account. Or you can contact your account manager and we can let you know. Again, we are proactively communicating with all our clients who have a Google map and need to make updates.
If you have been working without an API key
You will no longer be able to use the service for free starting June 11, 2018. To avoid business interruptions, visit the Google Maps Platform page. Create a billing account and sign up for the free $200 monthly credit plan that lets you use maps, routes and places. Again, you need the API key set up on your website and we can help.
To learn more
Feel free to review the pricing and billing changes, as well as the product changes, to move to the new Google Maps platform.
As always, the Web changes quickly. We have to keep up with the adjustments and adapt as we go. Google is trying to limit excessive use of its system, but it is now getting closer to a paid service. Most sites will never have to pay, but Google requires the API key to be installed and billing to be configured to guarantee their usage.
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