Use multiple Google Maps API keys for the same server?

Question

I have a server that acts like a grid. I have 3 mobile applications, each of which has its own Google api Key maps; all three applications call my server, which calls google-apis with a specific application key.

therefore, App1 has key1 In application 2 there is a key 2 App3 has a key 3

when I need directions for App1, my server calls google api with key 1 when I need directions for App2, my server calls google api with key 2 when I need instructions for App3, my server calls google api with key 3

So my server works as an API grid. Does this go against Google? I’m afraid that they will look at the IP address of the server, see 3 keys used and suggest that I use different keys for the same applications that are prohibited.

Answer 1

The short answer (taken from the FAQ) is quite simple: no, you cannot use two keys in this case.

See https://developers.google.com/maps/faq#usage_avoidance - they even reserve the "right to refuse access to the maps API from any site", doing as you were afraid.

Using more than one key, although this may only be a matter of convenience for you, means that they are trying to trick and bypass the limit of 25,000 requests per day and per service . And they don’t like it, because they want large users of their cards API to pay, of course. Prices are on the same page .

You should fully read the frequently asked questions “Understanding the Terms of Service” and “Limits of Use” - this is quite short, but sometimes a bit complicated. You will see that there are several situations in which you actually do not need to pay even when the limits are exceeded:

• you are using google earth API
• You are using the native maps API from the mobile platform.
• you show google map only through the built-in
• your apps "are in the public interest (as determined by Google in its sole discretion)"

In addition, you do not always have to provide an API key , although these products may only be available for limited use: take an instance of the geocoding API .

I think you are not in one of these cases (at least with bullets 2 and 3), since your calls go through your server. Using native APIs in mobile applications would solve the problem, but that means quite a certain development, I think.

It is also worth noting that you should apply for a special business card API for some use cases, for example. when only paid users can see your card.

In conclusion, you need to have one google map API key when it comes to using their products that require it. Rather, no more than one domain name.