Intro
As of June 11th, 2018, Google Maps now requires everyone to get an API key in order to display a map in their website.
Here is more info:
We’re simplifying our 18 individual APIs into three core products—Maps, Routes and Places, to make it easier for you to find, explore and add new features to your apps and sites. And, these new updates will work with your existing code—no changes required …
Beginning June 11, you’ll need a valid API key and a Google Cloud Platform billing account to access our core products. Once you enable billing, you will gain access to your $200 of free monthly usage to use for our Maps, Routes, and Places products.
Please read more, here.
Guide to getting a Google API key
For a step by step guide to getting your Google API key, please follow this video below made by Elfsight to get you started:
Notes and Reminders:
- The link to the Google Maps Platform is here: Google Maps Platform
- Please note that when you create a Billing Account for Google, and agree to the terms and conditions they will push for you to try the Google Cloud Platform for free. In most use-cases, you will likely not go over the free credit of $200 for its use.
- If you are still concerned about going over the $200 free usage credit, please look into setting up a billing alert.
- Please also note as well that when they ask you to try the Cloud Platform for free, you are not required to get email updates for announcements, surveys or special offers from Google. Please feel free to un-check that box, at that stage.