How to use Google Maps Platform — a practical guide
If you're here, you probably want working code in five minutes. That's exactly what this guide does.
Five steps to get started
- 1Create a project in Google Cloud Console.
- 2Enable the specific APIs you need (Maps JS, Places, Directions…).
- 3Create an API key and restrict it (HTTP referrer / IP).
- 4Mind the $200/month credit — roughly 28,500 Places calls.
Shortest snippet that will actually run
curl "https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?address=Dizengoff+99,Tel+Aviv&key=YOUR_KEY"Common mistakes (the honest list)
Always restrict keys to specific domains.
For business search use Places API; for autocomplete use Places Autocomplete (cheaper).
Cache previously-geocoded addresses — saves ~70% of cost.