Google on Monday announced plans to expand free access to its Google Maps Platform APIs and SDKs for developers worldwide, starting next year.
This includes products such as Maps, Routes, Places, and Environment APIs, allowing developers to build applications without upfront costs, up to a monthly usage limit.
India-Specific Development Support
Google highlighted its decade-long support for developers in India, enabling a variety of apps, from delivery services to travel platforms. The platform covers over 7 million kilometers of roads, 300 million buildings, and 35 million businesses and places in India.
To address local complexities, Google developed AI-powered features like Address Descriptors, which format addresses in local styles, and the Air Quality API, providing accurate air quality data.
Lower Pricing for Indian Developers
Several months ago, Google introduced India-specific pricing for its Maps Platform, reducing costs by up to 70% on most APIs. In collaboration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), developers received up to 90% off select APIs. As a result, many developers saw their bills reduced by over half, with smaller developers experiencing even greater savings.
Expanded Free Usage Limits
Starting next year, developers in India will be able to access up to $6,800 USD (over Rs. 5,70,000) in monthly free usage credits across all Google Maps Platform products, replacing the current $200 monthly credit. This will allow developers to test features like Places Nearby and Dynamic Street View at no initial cost, paying only when usage exceeds free limits.
Popular services such as the Maps Embed API and Maps SDK will continue offering unlimited free access. Developers can experiment with APIs and SDKs before making significant investments, enabling more innovative and cost-effective solutions.
Real-World Applications
Google explained how developers can benefit from the expanded free access model. For instance, a real estate company could use various APIs to enhance its platform by:
- Visualizing neighborhoods using Dynamic Maps.
- Applying data-driven styling to highlight localities based on home rental prices.
- Using Dynamic Street View to showcase nearby parks and restaurants.
- Implementing Nearby Search and Place Details to provide relevant, location-based results.
Availability
The updated free access model will take effect on March 1, 2025, supporting developers of all sizes to innovate without financial constraints.
Speaking about the initiative, Tina Weyand, Senior Director of Product Management, Google Maps Platform, said –
With our fresh and comprehensive real-world data, we are proud to support the remarkable work Indian businesses and developers continue to do with Google Maps Platform.