EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW GOOGLE MAPS PLATFORM

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Google has announced a major new update to the Google Maps API’s that will come in effect on June 11, 2018. If you’re using Google Maps on your website or mobile apps it is essential that you are aware and take action.

Whether you’re a developer or a website owner, Google has “simplified” it’s mapping solutions and called it “The Google Maps Platform”. Below are the main highlights of this update.

Introducing a Pay-as-you-go Pricing Plan

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. So, the first thing you have to do is to attach a billing account to your google maps API key to use the Google Maps Platform without interruptions.

Read more about the Google Maps Platform pricing plan

Simplified Google Maps API’s for Developers

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 Google Maps Pro or other 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.

Free Google Support for All Users

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:

  • If you’re using Google Maps on your website you have to enable a billing account on the Google Maps Platform.
  • No coding changes are required for existing maps applications.
  • Every user is eligible for free Google support if they have enabled a billing account.