Google Maps Platform is a set of APIs and tools provided by Google for developers to integrate maps, location, and other geographic data into their applications. The platform includes the following services:
- Google Maps JavaScript API: Allows you to embed interactive maps on your website.
- Google Maps Static API: Allows you to generate static map images for use in your application.
- Google Maps Street View API: Allows you to embed street view images in your application.
- Google Places API: Allows you to access data for millions of places, including details like reviews and ratings.
- Google Routes API: Allows you to calculate routes and get directions between locations.
- Google Maps Geocoding API: Allows you to convert addresses to latitude and longitude coordinates.
- Google Maps Elevation API: Allows you to get elevation data for locations on the Earth’s surface.
- Google Maps Time Zone API: Allows you to get time zone information for locations on the Earth’s surface.
The platform is intended for developers to build location-based apps, games, and services. You can access the platform by creating a project in the Google Cloud Console, enabling the APIs you want to use, and generating an API key to use in your application.
Google Maps Platform offers a free $200 monthly credit for its web services, including the Maps JavaScript API, Static Maps API, and Places API. To use the free version, you will need to create a billing account and enable billing on your project. Usage beyond the $200 monthly credit will be charged at the pay-as-you-go rate.
Here is an example of how to use the Google Maps JavaScript API to display a map on a webpage:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<script src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=YOUR_API_KEY"></script>
<script>
function initMap() {
var myLatLng = {lat: 37.7749, lng: -122.4194};
var map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById('map'), {
zoom: 8,
center: myLatLng
});
var marker = new google.maps.Marker({
position: myLatLng,
map: map,
title: 'Hello World!'
});
}
</script>
</head>
<body onload="initMap()">
<div id="map" style="height: 500px;"></div>
</body>
</html>
In the above example, you will need to replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual API key. The initMap function is called when the page loads, and it creates a new Google Maps object and displays it in the <div> with the ID of “map”. A marker is also added to the map at the specified latitude and longitude.
Note that you need to enable Google Maps JavaScript API and billing account to use this API.
You can also use other Google Maps Platform APIs such as Places API, GeoCoding API, Routing API etc. in similar way by loading the appropriate library and making API calls with the key.
Web Applications developed using Google Maps Platform API:
- Online Tours and Travels Booking System
- Online Hotel Booking and Service Portal
- Online Food Order
- Cloud kitchen Portal