Usage limits for services when used with Google Maps Javascript API v3

Question

I'm trying to clarify the usage limits for Google Maps services (e.g. Places, Directions, etc) when used with the Google Maps Javascript API.

According to the official documentation

The JavaScript Maps API V3 is a free service, available for any web site that is free to consumers

and

For-profit web sites are permitted to generate up to 25 000 map loads per day using the Google Maps JavaScript API v3.

Now each Google Maps service API has its own usage limits:

• Places API allows 1,000 or 100,000 (if you're verified) requests per 24 hours.

• Directions API allows 2,500 requests per day

In my web app I'm using the places library and direction service via the Javascript API. Do the usage limits for each service apply when used with the Javascript API? The documentation doesn't make that clear.

Solution

Yes. The usage limit for Google maps APIs affects only when your site gets more traffic.

Each API has its own usage limitation.

• Google Geocoding Service: 2,500 requests per day

• Google Maps Javascript API : up to 25,000 map loads per day for each service.

  This includes:

  1. a map is displayed using the Maps JavaScript API (V2 or V3) when
     loaded by a web page or application;
  2. a Street View panorama is displayed using the Maps JavaScript API (V2 or V3) by a web page or application that has not also displayed a map;
  3. a SWF that loads the Maps API for Flash is loaded by a web page or application; or
  4. a single request is made for a map image from the Static Maps API.
  5. a single request is made for a panorama image from the Street View Image API.

If you think that your site exceeds these usage limit, then you should consider to purchase a Maps API for Business license.

Check the following sites for additional information:

• Understanding how the Maps API usage limits affect your sites
• What usage limits apply to the Maps API?

Hope that the above information helps you.