Google Maps API cuts prices to keep web developers

Google has cut prices for it's Maps API in an effort to retain web developers. Google Maps is not the only game in town.

The company has cut prices “from US $4 per 1,000 map loads to 50¢ per 1,000 map loads.”

Since last Fall, when the new price policies were launched, Google has lost some notable developers,  Foursquare and Wikipedia.

Price was one of the big factors for driving away web developers from the Maps API, but other factors contributed to the departure of many significant firms. Another contributing issue was the “predictability and stability” of Google Maps.

The Google response to this battle for mapping APIs was to simplify its limits policy and reduce its API prices for its highest volume Google Maps developer-users.

The new price scheme will only apply to  the top 0.35% of websites. The current published limits are 25,000 map loads every day for 90 consecutive days.

To determine fees for your web application:

• To check whether your website or web application may be affected by the Maps API usage limits, use a Google APIs Console key with your applications. Daily usage reports will then be generated in the console.
• Non-profit organization websites and applications are not affected by the Maps API usage limits and can also apply for a free Maps API for Business license through the Google Earth Outreach grants program.

The alternative for Google Maps are certainly evolving, but include Bing and now Apple Maps. Certainly Google's Map API has been a steadfast resource for the web developer and design community, but challenges to it's position are emerging fast.