We all have used Google Map in our everyday life dealings to find address, driving distance, calendar reminder and so on. There are also been introduction to Google API that allows developers to intertwine their application with wonders of Google maps such as the company map in your corporate website, truck management system, pet location finder, etc.
However, the only catch is that there is limit of how many request you can make using the Google API. After that, a cost is applied to every “X” numbers of Google API request. Details of this can be found in Google Maps Geocoding API Usage Limits.
With that being said, rationing on Google API request using static image would be ideal design consideration for developer should they want to use incorporate Google Maps not their software application.
The next few sections highlights how a static calls can be made.
Getting Google API key
Google Key is used in Android application (before you can host it in the Google Play Store) and request for Google maps (in webpages and software application). It provides the developer with analytical data of frequency of application access, where it was accessed from, monthly reports of user access, and much more.
For our discussion today on requesting Google Maps, you will need a Google Key which is a very trivial process to request on online. You can request one from here (scroll down on the page, under section “Get an API key”)
The Google Key is a series of alpha numeric text as such.
USlkdfoiuh234ioOI0sjkUHFS034hf94rhghsf6
Google Map Static Image – Address
This is how you get a Google static map from address.
<img src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=Calgary+Tower,Calgary,AB&zoom=12&size=600x400&key=YOUR_API_KEY"/>
Note that “key” is a Google Key.
Google Map Static Image – Latitude & Longitude.
This is how you get a Google static map from latitude and longitude.
<img src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=51.050743,-114.075952&zoom=12&size=600x400&key=YOUR_API_KEY"/>
Google Map Static Image – Adding Marker for Latitude & Longitude.
This is how you get a Google static map from address.
<img src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=51.050743,-114.075952&markers=color:red%7Clabel:C%7C51.050743,-114.075952&zoom=12&size=600x400"/>
Note that you will have to put lat and long for both “center” and “marker” parameters.
Additional Parameters.
maptype
These are the options; roadmap, satellite, hybrid and terrain
language
Language to use for display of labels on map tiles
region
Appropriate borders to display, based on geopolitical sensitivities
path
The path parameter defines a set of one or more locations connected by a path to overlay on the map image.
You can find additional parameters in this link
Reference