Google Lowers Pricing on Google Maps API

Google has reduced pricing for its Google Maps API following some high profile defects from the service including Apple and Foursquare.

As you may know, last year we introduced limits on the number of free maps that developers could show daily through the Google Maps API. Since then, we've been listening carefully to feedback, and today we're happy to announce that we're lowering API usage fees and simplifying limits for both Styled and regular maps.

Here are the details:
● Changes to pricing. While the Maps API remains free for the vast majority of sites, some developers were worried about the potential costs. In response, we have lowered the online price from US $4 per 1,000 map loads to 50¢ per 1,000 map loads.


● Simplified limits. We're eliminating the previous distinction between Styled Maps and regular unstyled maps. The same usage limits and pricing now apply to applications using Styled Maps and the default Google Maps style.

"We're beginning to monitor Maps API usage starting today, and, based on current usage, fees will only apply to the top 0.35% of sites regularly exceeding the published limits of 25,000 map loads every day for 90 consecutive days. We aren't automating the application of these limits, so if your site consistently uses more than the free maps allowance we'll contact you to discuss your options. Please rest assured that your map will not stop working due to a sudden surge in popularity."

It appears as though Google has gone into damage control to prevent a mass exodus from its popular service. More information at the link below...

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