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.
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
Authentication
To use the Maps Static API, you must first enable the API and obtain the proper authentication credentials. For more information, see Get Started with Google Maps Platform.
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.