Overview

AI-generated Key Takeaways

• The Google Maps Static API allows you to embed Google Maps images on your webpage without JavaScript or dynamic loading by creating a URL with parameters and placing it within an <img> tag.

• To use the API, you'll need a project with a billing account and the Maps Static API enabled, along with proper authentication credentials.

• The Maps Static API creates map images based on URL parameters sent through an HTTP request, returning the map as a displayable image.

• Usage of the API is subject to quotas, pricing, and the Google Maps Platform Terms of Service, details of which can be found in the provided documentation links.

• Street View imagery used in the API may come from both Google and public user-generated content, without an option to select a specific source.

European Economic Area (EEA) developers

If your billing address is in the European Economic Area, effective on 8 July 2025, the Google Maps Platform EEA Terms of Service will apply to your use of the Services. Learn more. In addition, certain content from the Maps Static API will no longer be returned. Learn more.

Before you begin: Before you start using the Maps Static API, you need a project with a billing account and the Maps Static API enabled. We recommend creating multiple Project Owners and Billing Administrators, so that you'll always have someone with these roles available to your team. To learn more, see Set up in Cloud console.

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: Street View imagery comes from two sources: Google (non-public developer-controlled imagery), and the public (UGC, or public user-generated content). Note that there is no way to use only one source of Street View imagery over the other. Learn more about our Street view imagery privacy policy.

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&signature=YOUR_SIGNATURE

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 Maps Static API 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.