Top 5 Google Maps API cost breakdowns and why you should enable each one
The Google Maps Platform is the industry standard Maps API, with over a billion active users (including well-known companies like Uber) and a massive location database, Street View cars, and satellites. When searching for a Maps API, Google Maps API has three main selling points over competitors like Openstreetmap and Mapbox:
Expansive database with 99% coverage of the world
Instantly recognizable and familiar
Wide range of features including Street View
Including Street View, Google Maps API offers merchants a total of 28 APIs and SDKs, each with distinct functionality and individual pricing. But because Google Maps uses a pay-as-you-go system, you won’t instantly get access to all 28 features as soon as you get started on the platform. Instead, you’ll need to choose and enable each API and SDK you’ll be using.
How do I decide which APIs I need?
If you’re interested in location services, but aren’t sure what API fits your business, this resource can help. The 5 APIs covered in this article are commonly enabled to set up or increase efficiency for:
Store and product locators
Virtual tours
Ride-shares and deliveries
Supply chain management
Game development
We’ve put together the monthly cost, a description, and a use case for each of these top 5 Google Maps APIs.
1. GOOGLE MAPS API: DYNAMIC MAPS
Function
The Maps Javascript API for Dynamic Maps allows you to customize interactive maps on your website. With this API, your customers can zoom in, scroll, and see key information about locations of interest.
Use case
This API is an important part of building any store locator. While the free, unlimited Maps Embed API is used to place an interactive map on your site, store locator software (like ZenLocator) uses the Maps Javascript API for Dynamic Maps to customize store and product locators. The API gives each map the functions that customers expect when searching up products or stores: markers, info windows, shapes, tilt and rotation, and more.
Monthly price
2. GOOGLE MAPS API: DYNAMIC STREET VIEW
Function
The Maps Javascript API for Dynamic Street View lets you set up an interactive 360 degree Google street view. If you’ve ever looked up an event and pulled up the dynamic street view to check out nearby restaurants, this API brings that functionality right to your site.
Use case
For any real estate agency, having the ability to showcase a property as it looks in real life is an invaluable marketing tool. Instead of just clicking through a few pictures, ****Maps Javascript API for Dynamic Street View allows real estate agencies like UK-based Homesearch to let potential buyers take a virtual tour through the neighborhood to get a sense of what the area is like.
Monthly price
See the full case study
3. GOOGLE MAPS API: DIRECTIONS
Function
The Directions API provides directions between locations for biking, driving, walking, and/or public transportation. You can also use the Directions Advanced API ($10/1000 requests) to request real-time traffic information.
Use case
Many rideshare or delivery companies have had to rely on rough times of arrival (ETAs). However, the Directions API allows companies like India-based delivery company Dunzo to view efficient routes and accurate commute times to reduce margins of error. Using Directions Advanced also lets them see real-time traffic, which has decreased Dunzo’s missed ETA time by 14%.
Monthly price
$5/1000 requests for directions
See the full case study
4. GOOGLE MAPS API: GEOCODING
Function
The Geocoding API converts addresses into and out of their current geographic coordinates. This API is used to find the exact latitude and longitude for addresses that can be used to calculate shipping costs, improve logistics, and even add accurate map markers.
Use case
Companies that deal with many moving parts between locations often rely on the Geocoding API. The Geocoding API provides accurate addresses for picking up and dropping off products, even if these processes happen miles apart. This is key for efficiency, especially in the case of Indonesian food platform Sayurbox’s need to move fresh produce from multiple rural areas to urban centers.
Monthly price
See the full case study
5. GOOGLE MAPS API: GEOLOCATION
Function
The Geolocation API uses wifi or cell towers to access geographical information about a location. This information can include physical address, IP address and ISP details, mobile carrier, local data (such as time zone or currency), and presence of malicious activity.
Use case
The Google Maps Platform is designed to work seamlessly with game development. Canada-based game company Ludia uses the Geolocation API to power their geolocation game, Jurassic World Alive. The API lets players interact with in-game dinosaurs right in their own neighborhood by tracking their device’s precise location. This same API can also be used for location-specific marketing for games, like exclusive events in designated areas.
Monthly price
$5/1000 requests for information
See the full case study
HAVE AN ENTERPRISE BUSINESS?
For high-volume store owners, startups looking for unique solutions, and other more complex situations, Google Maps API also offers enterprise pricing when you contact their sales department. Enterprise pricing includes perks like:
High-volume discounts
Discounts for rides & deliveries
Discounts for asset tracking
Premium customer support
Access to Google Cloud partners
Every Google Maps API provides a unique location service for your business.
Here’s a summary of the cost and uses for the 5 of the most frequently enabled Google Maps APIs:
| API | Monthly cost | Description | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Maps | $7.00/1k map loads | Build and customize interactive maps | Store and product locators |
| Dynamic Street View | $14.00/1k panorama loads | Set up an interactive 360 degree Google street view | Virtual tours |
| Directions | $5.00/1k requests | Provide directions for different types of transportation | Ride shares and deliveries |
| Geocoding | $5.00/1k searches | Converts addresses into geographic coordinates | Supply chain management |
| Geolocation | $5.00/1k requests | Uses wifi or cell towers to access geographical information | Game development |
It’s up to you to decide which API suits your needs best. If you don’t see your business represented in this list, check out Google Maps’ API picker so you can find the perfect fit.
If you’ve already got a good idea of which APIs to enable, here’s our comprehensive guide to Google Maps API pricing. We’ll clear up any areas of confusion and let you know exactly what you need to get started on the Google Maps Platform worry-free.