Google offers their users a variety of applications and features to make using the web the best experience for each individual and meet the many various needs people may have online. Google maps is a popular feature that allows people to find different locations around the country as well as the world, get directions, etc. However Google map users are no longer going to be able to use this feature at no cost to them.
Google recently announced that their map feature is now going to cost users $4 per 1,000 map uploads. This is not a huge cost but could add up for those who use Google maps on a regular basis whether for personal or business reasons. A “map load” is counted when someone opens a page that contains a map API. However the number of times a user clicks on the map, uses the map, or the usage of the map does not count as a map load and users will not be charged for that. Back in April Google announced that limitations would be coming for the map API so this should not come as a complete shock to Google map users that they are going to begin charging.
Not everyone will have to start paying, as the first 25,000 users that use the regular maps will be free but the $4 for every 1,000 map loads price will apply to everyone after that. For apps and sites that use the Styled Maps the limit of free users drops down to 2,500 people. Simple embedding Google Maps into your site without using the API is still available so this also may not affect some users. If however this will affect you there are 3 options:
Reduce your usage so as not to exceed the map load limits.
Join the payment program for extra usage.
Or finally get an Maps API Premier license (which is expensive so not for everyone).
Google recently announced that their map feature is now going to cost users $4 per 1,000 map uploads. This is not a huge cost but could add up for those who use Google maps on a regular basis whether for personal or business reasons. A “map load” is counted when someone opens a page that contains a map API. However the number of times a user clicks on the map, uses the map, or the usage of the map does not count as a map load and users will not be charged for that. Back in April Google announced that limitations would be coming for the map API so this should not come as a complete shock to Google map users that they are going to begin charging.Not everyone will have to start paying, as the first 25,000 users that use the regular maps will be free but the $4 for every 1,000 map loads price will apply to everyone after that. For apps and sites that use the Styled Maps the limit of free users drops down to 2,500 people. Simple embedding Google Maps into your site without using the API is still available so this also may not affect some users. If however this will affect you there are 3 options:
Reduce your usage so as not to exceed the map load limits.
Join the payment program for extra usage.
Or finally get an Maps API Premier license (which is expensive so not for everyone).