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Google Maps API

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Ratings

G2
4.6/5
(429)
Glassdoor
3.5/5
(2)

Google Maps API description

Google Maps API lets you add Google Maps directly into your company's websites and apps. It offers tools for displaying maps, calculating routes, finding places, and more. You can use it to create things like store locators, delivery trackers, and interactive maps with real-time data. Google Maps API is designed for businesses of all sizes across all industries. Its main advantage is that people are already familiar with using Google Maps.


Who is Google Maps API best for

Google Maps API empowers businesses of all sizes to integrate Google Maps into their websites and apps. Leverage its location search, real-time traffic data, and route calculation capabilities to create interactive maps and enhance user experience. Users praise its accuracy and ease of use, while some note occasional inaccuracies and high costs.

  • Ideal for small, medium, and enterprise businesses.

  • Suitable for most industries, including Healthcare, Finance, Retail, and Technology.


Google Maps API features

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need
Supported

Google Maps API supports location search for points of interest using the Places API.

Supported

Google Maps API provides real-time traffic data through its TrafficLayer and Directions API.

Supported

Yes, real-time GPS tracking of field workers can be implemented using available APIs and tools.

Supported

Google Maps API can display stores on a map using tools like the Store Locator Library.

Supported

Interactive maps are supported, allowing users to zoom, pan, and switch between map types.

Supported

Google Maps API allows creating interactive maps with zoom, pan, and click features.

Supported

Google Maps API calculates optimal routes based on chosen transport mode.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Value and Pricing Transparency

Strongly negative
-1

Ease of Use

Strongly positive
+0.88

Reliability and Performance

Rather positive
+0.33

Ease of Implementation

Strongly positive
+1

Google Maps API reviews

We've summarised 421 Google Maps API reviews (Google Maps API G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Google Maps API
  • Accurate mapping and location data, praised for reliability
  • Real-time traffic updates and rerouting options are highly valued
  • User-friendly interface and ease of use across devices
  • Comprehensive location information, including businesses, landmarks, and points of interest
  • Seamless integration with other Google services and third-party apps
Cons of Google Maps API
  • Inaccurate location data in some areas, especially rural or newly developed regions
  • High costs and complex pricing structure for API usage beyond the free tier
  • Occasional glitches, freezing, or slow loading times reported
  • Limited offline functionality and dependence on internet connectivity
  • Battery drain and high data usage during navigation

Google Maps API pricing

The commentary is based on 29 reviews from Google Maps API G2 reviews.

Google Maps API offers a robust, accurate, and reliable mapping solution with real-time data and seamless integration. While the free tier is appreciated, many reviewers express concern about the pricing, finding it expensive for frequent use, especially for startups and small businesses. Others mention fraudulent billing practices.

Users sentiment

Strongly negative
-1

See the Google Maps API pricing page.


Google Maps API alternatives

  • Logo of HERE Location Services
    HERE Location Services
    Better for granular map data, especially in urban areas. A strong Google Maps API competitor for fleet management and supply chain logistics.
    Read more
  • Logo of Maptive
    Maptive
    Better fit for mid-sized businesses and larger enterprises needing spreadsheet data integration with Google Maps. Easier to use, requiring no coding for map creation. Offers a free trial but pricing can be high for small businesses.
    Read more
  • Logo of Google My Business
    Google My Business
    Better for managing business listings, especially for those with physical locations seeking local SEO improvement. Free to use, unlike the Google Maps API. Simpler to manage basic business information, hours, photos, and customer reviews. A good Google Maps API alternative for attracting and engaging with customers.
    Read more
  • Logo of Looker
    Looker
    Better for data analysis and business intelligence. Suitable as a Google Maps API alternative for users heavily invested in the Google ecosystem. More positive pricing sentiment.
    Read more
  • Logo of Google Asset Tracking
    Google Asset Tracking
    Better for tracking physical assets in real time. Specifically designed for businesses managing fleets, deliveries, or assets requiring location monitoring.
    Read more
  • Logo of CleverMaps
    CleverMaps
    Better for visualizing and analyzing location-based business data. Geared towards data-driven companies seeking operational optimization and strategic expansion. A Google Maps API competitor growing faster, with strong momentum. Users praise the user-friendly interface and powerful analytics but note a steeper learning curve.
    Read more

Google Maps API FAQ

  • What is Google Maps API and what does Google Maps API do?

    Google Maps API is a suite of tools that lets you embed Google Maps functionality into your website or app. It offers features like displaying maps, searching for places, calculating routes, and showing real-time traffic data, useful for store locators, delivery tracking, and interactive maps.

  • How does Google Maps API integrate with other tools?

    Google Maps API integrates seamlessly with other Google services and third-party applications. This allows developers to combine its functionalities with other tools, enhancing user experience and creating more comprehensive applications. It supports integration through its various APIs and SDKs.

  • What the main competitors of Google Maps API?

    Top alternatives to Google Maps API include Mapbox, TomTom Maps APIs, and HERE Location Services. These providers offer similar functionalities, such as routing, geocoding, and displaying maps, catering to various business needs and budgets. Some, like HERE, are known for specialized map data.

  • Is Google Maps API legit?

    Yes, the Google Maps API is a legitimate and safe tool offered by Google. It's widely used by businesses for adding maps, location services, and other functionalities to their websites and applications. It's known for accurate mapping and location data, real-time traffic updates, and user-friendly interface.

  • How much does Google Maps API cost?

    Google Maps API pricing depends on the specific API and usage. Some APIs have a free tier, while others are pay-as-you-go. Check Google's pricing tables for detailed product pricing and to determine if the product is worth it for your needs.

  • Is Google Maps API customer service good?

    Customer reviews on Google Maps API's customer service are mixed. Some users praise the helpful and quick support, while others express frustration with fraudulent billing practices and difficulties with the API keys. More information is needed to determine overall customer service quality.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.