Overview

The Maps Static API lets you embed a Google Maps image on your web page without requiring JavaScript or any dynamic page loading. The Maps Static API service creates your map based on URL parameters sent through a standard HTTP request and returns the map as an image you can display on your web page.

Note: The Maps Static API Usage Limits have changed. Creating an API key and including it in your request allows you to track usage in the Google Cloud Platform Console, and to purchase additional quota if required.

This document details the Maps Static API v2. To update your v1 URLs, please consult the Upgrade Guide.

A Quick Example

The following example contains the URL of a Maps Static API image of downtown New York City, which is displayed below:

https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=Brooklyn+Bridge,New+York,NY&zoom=13&size=600x300&maptype=roadmap
&markers=color:blue%7Clabel:S%7C40.702147,-74.015794&markers=color:green%7Clabel:G%7C40.711614,-74.012318
&markers=color:red%7Clabel:C%7C40.718217,-73.998284
&key=YOUR_API_KEY

Notice that you don't need to do anything "special" to get this image to show up on the page. No JavaScript is required. All we needed to do was create a URL, and place it within an <img> tag. You can place a Google Static Maps anywhere on your webpage where you can place an image.

Authentication, quotas, pricing, and policies

Activate the API and get an API key

To use the Static Maps, you must first activate the API in the Google Cloud Platform Console and obtain the proper authentication credentials. You need to provide an API key in each request (or a client ID if you have a Premium Plan).

Click the button below to follow a process where you will:

1. Create or select a project
2. Enable the API
3. Get an API key

Get Started

Learn more about authentication credentials.

Quotas and pricing

Review the usage and billing page for details on the quotas and pricing set for the Maps Static API.

Policies

Use of the Maps Static API must be in accordance with the Google Maps Platform Terms of Service.

Learn more

See the Maps Static API developers guide for more examples, parameter usage, troubleshooting, and other details.

The Maps Static API developers guide is intended for website and mobile developers who want to include Maps Static API images within a webpage or mobile application. It provides an introduction to using the API and reference material on the available parameters.