Google has announced a major update to the Google Maps APIs, effective June 11, 2018. If you’re using Google Maps on your website or mobile apps, it is essential that you are aware of these changes and take action.
Whether you’re a developer or a website owner, Google has “simplified” its mapping solutions and called it “The Google Maps Platform.” Below are the main highlights of this update.
It’s unlikely that you have ever had to pay Google for its mapping solution. 98% of users are currently using the “free-tier” standard plan, which allows 25,000 map requests per day. This is more than enough for small to medium-sized businesses.
So what now? Well, you can still use Google Maps for free, but in a different way. Google will give you $200 of free usage each month. The first thing you have to do is attach a billing account to your Google map API key to use the Google Maps Platform without interruptions.
Check out Google Maps plugins which you can integrate with your website to make your business more authentic.
We’re simplifying our 18 individual APIs into three core products—Maps, Routes, and Places, to make it easier for you to find, explore, and add new features to your apps and sites. And, these new updates will work with your existing code—no changes required. – GOOGLE
Whether you’re using a WordPress plugin like WP MAPS PRO or another custom maps solution, you won’t need to worry about the applications you’ve already developed or are currently using. No coding changes are required, and your applications will continue to work as they currently do.
Google will provide support to every user who has enabled a billing account. This free support will be available from June 11, 2018.
Conclusion
Here is a summary of the key points to consider:
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