Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Google Maps API Usage Limits Explained

Google has released more information about the new Google Maps Usage Limits. The new information should go a long way to assuage the fears of Google Maps developers.

Only 0.35% of Sites Affected

By setting the usage limits at 25,000 map loads per day Google are minimising the number of affected sites to 0.35% of all websites using the Maps API. My guess is that most of these top 0.35% of websites using the Google Maps API are corporations that should be using a Google Maps for Enterprise licence anyway.

Popularity Spikes:

One of the biggest worries for developers (based on many of the questions asked on the Google Maps API Developers Google Group), was what would happen if a map suddenly became very popular. For example, a media site that uses a map to illustrate a breaking news story, or a map that suddenly goes viral.

Google say that usage charges will only apply after a map exceeds the 25,000 map loads per day for 90 consecutive days. This is great news for developers as it means that a sudden spike in popularity for a map won't lead to a large bill from Google.

You can find out more about the new usage limits on the Google Maps API FAQ

Via: Google Geo Developers Blog

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