Google Maps

Overview

Google Maps Platform is a family of APIs for embedding maps and location features: Maps JavaScript API (interactive maps), Geocoding API (address ↔ coordinates), Places API (search for businesses/POIs), Directions, Distance Matrix, and more.

⚠️ Not a free API. Unlike most listings on this site, Google Maps Platform is pay-per-use (usage-based billing). A project key is required for every call. Check the current pricing page — it changes over time.

Quick Start

Geocoding — turn an address into coordinates (REQUEST_DENIED is what you get with an invalid key):

curl "https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?address=1600+Amphitheatre+Parkway&key=YOUR_API_KEY"

Response status is the key field: OK, ZERO_RESULTS, OVER_QUERY_LIMIT, REQUEST_DENIED, INVALID_REQUEST.

Authentication

• Create a project in Google Cloud Console, enable the APIs you need (Geocoding, Maps JavaScript, Places…), and generate an API key.
• Restrict the key by HTTP referrer / IP to prevent abuse.
• Send it as the key query parameter (or the X-Goog-Api-Key header for newer APIs).
• Every API has separate billing; unused APIs stay disabled so you don’t get surprise charges.

Rate Limits & Notes

• Billing is per-request per-API; Google gives new accounts a free monthly credit to start (amount varies — check the pricing page).
• Geocoding has a QPS (queries-per-second) limit per key.
• The status field in responses tells you exactly what went wrong — read it in your error handling.
• This listing’s “apiKey” auth reflects the key requirement; HTTPS is mandatory for all requests.

FAQ

Is Google Maps API free? No — it’s usage-based billing. Google often provides a free monthly credit for new accounts, then charges per request.

Do I need an API key? Yes — every request requires a key from Google Cloud Console.

Is it worth it for a hobby project? The free monthly credit covers light usage; for heavy or commercial use, budget for per-request fees.