Can i link google maps from within my application without paying fees?

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+3 Q:

Can i link google maps from within my application without paying fees?

Hi everyone!

When i use the Google Maps API from within my commercial application, i have to sign-up for an API key and i have to pay fees for the usage of the Google Maps API.

What happens if i just use a link that opens a new browser window in my app?

Example:

http://maps.google.de/?saddr=Los_Angeles&daddr=hollywood

Do i have to pay fees for this, too?

Thanks in advance,

David

+4 A:

No you do not have to pay for such usage.

In addition, using the Google Maps API can also be free, if your Maps API implementation is generally accessible to users without charge. (Google Maps API Terms of Service)

Daniel Vassallo 2010-02-10 14:20:16

And I think that's the important detail there. Generally accessible to users without charge. But if this is a commercial app that's charging money, then it's reasonable to pay some of that income to support the service that helps bring the money in, no?

Mason Wheeler 2010-02-10 16:35:44

It sends an interesting signal, to want to use something someone else puts out there for free, and then want users to pay for your bits. :-)

Warren P 2010-02-10 16:45:25

@Mason: I agree with you. Apart from the reasonable fairness, a commercial application may require a premier license for many other benefits, such as an SLA, HTTPS support, control over adverts, geocoding limits, etc. More info from: http://www.google.com/enterprise/earthmaps/maps.html.

Daniel Vassallo 2010-02-10 16:46:52

'generally accessible' means 'public' (see section 9.1 of the Google Maps API Terms of Service). It must not operate only behind a firewall.

mjustin 2010-02-10 18:29:43

ansaurus

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Can i link google maps from within my application without paying fees?

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