TRENDING NOW! Google Rebrands Maps API, Launches Google Maps Platform
GOOGLE REBRANDS MAPS API, LAUNCHES GOOGLE MAPS PLATFORM
Google rolls out the new model for Google Maps API – the Google Maps Platform.
Effective May 2, 2018, the Google Maps API is now deprecated and the new model can now be employed in creating custom business solutions.
To better understand Google Maps Platform, a new website has been put-up to guide consumers about the biggest changes in the Google Maps technology.
Some of the most noticeable changes in the Google Maps Platform are the payment system, and the restructuring of the APIs into three groups – Maps, Routes, and Places.
New Payment Scheme
The Google Maps Platform offers a single-pricing, post-pay model where in customers will be billed for what they use for the month. Also included in the Google Maps Platform is the provision of $200 free usage for the developers to start building their application.
In the defunct Maps API system, customers will have to subscribe to either Standard Plan (free consumer version) or Premium Plan that is used in creating customizable applications depending on their requirements (external, internal and/or asset tracking) and have to pay upfront with a lock-in period of one-year.
In addition, the Google Maps Platform offers a free 24/5 technical support to all billing enabled customers. This feature was previously offered only in the Google Maps Premium Plan 2016.
New API Structure
In the previous model of Maps API, 13 APIs are included and available for the consumers to utilize. Google Maps Platform simplifies the APIs into three core products – Maps, Routes, and Places. The regrouping provides a deeper understanding on the need of the client and eliminates unnecessary map uses:
The table below shows how the APIs were grouped:
| Maps | Routes | Places |
| Javascript API | Directions API | Places API |
| Static Maps API | Distance Matrix API | Geocoding API |
| Street View API | Roads API | Geolocation API |
| Embed API | Timezone API | |
| Elevation API |
As mentioned earlier, the new Google Maps model is a post-pay model and that customers are billed based on their consumption. This means that if the customer only uses Javascript API and Directions API, they will only pay for the usage of the two APIs. This lessens the burden of investing a large sum of money upfront on the customer’s side.
How can WTI help?
WTI has dedicated and competent GIS and Development Teams who can provide ample amount of support when needed. WTI understands the need of location-based technology in the Philippines and is eager to help companies achieve the growth they envision by helping them leverage on Google Maps Platform.
References:
https://www.cloudconnect.goog/docs/DOC-24751