Will the Google Maps API soon be a paid service?

You're probably familiar with Google Maps, the comprehensive map tool used by the majority of websites and businesses. This Google feature enables many websites to offer visitors an interesting experience and easy access to information (store addresses, routes, geolocation, auto-completion) via its API.

Recently, Google announced what many had been dreading for some time. After offering access to the API free of charge, it will now be available on a paying basis with the Google Maps Platform. Until now, Google allowed 25,000 requests to the API per day without having to enter any account-related banking information.

From June 11th, 2018, the number of requests will increase to 25,000 per month, and excess usage will be charged according to the charter.

Google isn't stopping there and will require API users to register their banking information, even if the limit is enough for them. If you don't make the necessary changes, the API will stop working automatically.

What do I need to do to comply?

Our first piece of advice is to check with the person responsible for your website—whether through your internal development team or a digital agency partner—to assess the costs to your business based on your usage. On the other hand, if you don't want to pay for this service and this limit, you'll have to find other solutions or remove this service from your site.

Alternatives?

There are several alternatives to the Google Maps Platform, such as Openstreetmap, Bing Maps and Mapbox. These alternatives can replace the Google map on your website. However, as many of the features of the Google map are not available in these other tools, and Google is constantly working and developing to meet the different needs of its users, you should think carefully before deciding to change tools.

However, as many of the features of the Google map are not available in these other tools, you should carefully evaluate all technical considerations and user experience impacts before deciding to change tools.

To sum up, Google will be rolling out its paid service via Google Maps Platform in just under a month's time, leaving us little time to react and avoid impacting your visitors. A technical person can help you make the right decision.
Google never stops surprising us!

Should you continue using the Google Maps API despite its new pricing structure, or is it time to explore alternatives? The answer depends entirely on your specific business needs and budget constraints.

For Quebec businesses—whether in manufacturing or technology sectors—this decision requires careful evaluation of your API usage patterns and visitor experience priorities. While Google Maps remains the industry standard with its comprehensive feature set and familiar interface, alternatives like Openstreetmap, Bing Maps, and Mapbox offer cost-effective solutions that may align better with your digital budget.

The key is understanding how this change impacts your website's functionality and user experience. As a HubSpot Diamond Partner agency in Montreal, Parkour3 works with companies navigating these exact technical decisions. Whether you're evaluating web development options or need guidance on optimizing your digital presence, having technical expertise on your side ensures you make informed choices that protect both your budget and user experience.

Don't let technical changes disrupt your online presence. Connect with our Montreal-based development team to assess your options and implement the solution that best serves your business objectives.

Contact Parkour3