This question may sound very basic but please bear with me. In Android developer documentation, it is stated that :
Your application needs an API key to access the Google Maps servers. The type of key you need is an API key with restriction for Android apps. The key is free. You can use it with any of your applications that call the Maps SDK for Android, and it supports an unlimited number of users.
Is it applicable to commercial apps also. For example famous apps like the big ride-sharing unicorns ("uber", "ola") who use google maps in their android apps don't pay anything to google?
Related
The Android Maps SDK and the Places SDK for Android both support API keys, but according to the docs they must be applied with only one key, given in the manifest with "com.google.android.geo.API_KEY" (or the old maps variant). Due to the different pricing of Maps and Places, we need two distinct keys. Previously we have used Maps SDK for android with one key, and Places via https with another unsecured key. Its a client app where we don't control the IP, so it seems we cannot use Android, iOS, or IP restriction on the key in Google Console.
So Question 1
Is it possible to use two distinct keys in the Android Play Services SDK's so we can use a Google Key which is restricted for Android?
If not, is it otherwise possible to use places (autocomplete) lookup with a restricted key?
We are using google map android api 2.0 for providing map functionality in our android application.
In our application Google map will be used for capturing and showing location on below use cases .
Whenever a client opens the application (from androiddevice ) depending upon location
services current location will be captured and using reverse geocoding process
appropriate address will be generated.
In reverse flow if any end user wants to enter address manually, using geocoding Service
appropriate location will be showed on the map.
Here are my questions
1>> What is the daily map load(api calls) limit for google map android api 2.0 as there is for google map javascript api 3.0(25k map loads per day)?
2>> What is the geocoding(android.location.Geocoder) limits(No. of geocoding request) per day?we are not using server side geocoding which limit is 2500 free request per day.Does this limit applies to android geocoding(android.location.Geocoder)?
3>> Our app is for government authority and city citizen will be using it,for that can I use google map android api 2.0 or I have to purchase Google Maps Mobile SDK for Business?
4>> what is the difference between Google Maps Mobile SDK for Business and Google Maps Android API 2.0?difference in terms of map loads per day and gecoding limits ?
5>> In what case scenario I should use Google Maps Mobile SDK for Business and Google Maps Android API 2.0?
Any answer clarifying above questions will be really helpful!!!
Thanks in advance
The accepted answer is misleading because although the API console shows no limits on the Maps API, you will be contacted by Google to enable billing or get a Maps for Business licence if the usage of Maps API stays high consistently.
Here are the differences in the usage quotas between the Google Maps Android API and Google Maps API for Business: https://developers.google.com/maps/licensing
Below are the key differences in the SDK of the two APIs:
https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/business/mobile/android/#comparing_versions
P.S. The SDK comparison table above says that Maps for Mobile SDK is available only as a static library, but if you read the previous paragraph on the same page you can see that you can also get the latest version of Maps for Business SDK through the Android SDK Manager.
I'm a GDE for Google Maps (not Googler), and I asked these questions to the Google Maps team before.
1) No limitation for Google Maps Android API v2.
See the Google APIs Console.
2) I heard no limitation for the android.location.Geocoder from Google Maps team,
because of it's part of Android System.
Read this answer: Android Geocoder quota limits
3) You can use both. But if you want to distribute it without online store, you should contract with the business agreement. Follow the TOS 9.1.2
https://developers.google.com/maps/terms#section_9_1_2
4) There is no support by Google for Google Maps Android API v2.
Read this page.
https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/business/mobile/
I would like to know if there are any usage limits for using the Google Street View api from Google Play Services 4.4 in native Android aps.
According to https://developers.google.com/maps/faq?csw=1#usagelimits there are usage limits in using Google Street View Image API's but there are no limits for native apps using Maps APIs, which seem to be contradictory.
Afaik as per their official website , it hints that
To access the Google Maps servers with the Maps API, you have to add a Maps API key to your application. The key is free, you can use it with any of your applications that call the Maps API, and it supports an unlimited number of users. You obtain a Maps API key from the Google APIs Console by providing your application's signing certificate and its package name. Add the key to your application by adding an element to your application's AndroidManifest.xml file.
The StreetView map which they added recently is extension of the Google Map in Satellite/Simple mode and same thing should applicable for StreetView also.
Google Maps API V2 for Android is a big leap forward compared to v1: better rendering, fragment support... But there is one grey area I am trying to clarify about its use.
I look forward to create a map-based application for an Android device that does not have Google Play on it i.e. did not pass Google validation such as a low-end tablet or a car radio, and distrbute it on third-party markets.
Such applications using V1 API are possible.
The V2 has a dependency on Google Play Services, which is available to devices with Google Play only.
Does it mean that the V2 API is definitely unavailable for the aforementioned devices?
I look forward to create a map-based application for an Android device that does not have Google Play on it i.e. did not pass Google validation such as a low-end tablet or a car radio, and distrbute it on third-party markets. Such applications using V1 API are possible.
Only because the makers of those devices pirated the Maps code, as both Maps V1 and Maps V2 are only available for manufacturers who pass validation and license that code.
Does it mean that the V2 API is definitely unavailable for the aforementioned devices?
Barring similar piracy, yes.
You can try manually install the bin files that are required for Google maps, same way as you would do if you wanted to get the emulator running a Google Map API V2.
you can get more information on how it's done from the following blog post I wrote:
link
I don't know if this solution will be applicable for those devices but you can try it.
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I'm developing an app which used google map API. Some feature of app are In-app purchases.
I've read ToS, in 9.1.2
9.1.2 Exceptions.
(a) Enterprise Agreement with Google. The rules in Section 9.1.1 (Free
Access, Public Access) do not apply if you have entered into a
separate written agreement with Google (such as a Google Enterprise
agreement) or obtained Google's written permission.
(b) Mobile Applications. (i) The rule in Section 9.1.1(a) (Free
Access) does not apply if your Maps API Implementation is used in a
mobile application that is sold for a fee through an online store and
is downloadable to a mobile device that can access the online store.
(ii) The rule in Section 9.1.1(b) (Public Access) does not apply if
your Maps API Implementation is an Android application that uses the
Google Maps Android API. (However, the rule in Section 9.1.1(b)
(Public Access) will continue to apply if your Maps API Implementation
is an Android application that uses any other Maps APIs, unless the
Maps API Implementation qualifies for the exception in Section
9.1.2(a) (Enterprise Agreement with Google).)
it means my app must be 100% free??.
I have 2 question now:
My app provide map view are free and some of other feature have fee, is this possible?
I'll use google map API but Geocoding from another provider. Is that ok?
From the FAQ:
Can I use the Google Maps API on a commercial website? As long as your
site is generally accessible to consumers without charge, you may use
the Google Maps API. For example, if your website is supported by
advertising, it likely falls within the Google Maps API Terms of
Service. If you charge people to place information on your map (e.g.
to list their homes for sale), but you display this information using
the Google Maps API on a free part of your site, you'll also meet the
Google Maps API Terms of Service.
However, not all commercial uses are allowed. For example, if your
site meets any of the following criteria you must purchase the
appropriate Google Maps API for Business license:
Your site is only available to paying customers. Your site is only
accessible within your company or on your intranet. Your application
relates to enterprise dispatch, fleet management, business asset
tracking, or similar applications. Remember, Google reserves the right
to suspend or terminate your use of the Google Maps API at any time,
so please ensure that you read the Terms of Service carefully.
And from exceptions:
(b) Mobile Applications. (i) The rule in Section 9.1.1(a) (Free
Access) does not apply if your Maps API Implementation is used in a
mobile application that is sold for a fee through an online store and
is downloadable to a mobile device that can access the online store.
The way I read this is that you may use the API for commercial purposes if you develop for an app sold for a fee. I highly doubt that any of this applies to in-app purchases, which Google does not explicitly reference.
PLEASE NOTE however that NONE of us will be able to give you legal advice. The Google team will not give you any legal advice either. You NEED to consult with a lawyer for full legal advice.