I am working on an API that will accept addresses in searches. We would like to use the Google geocoding service to normalize addresses before submitting search criteria to our search engine.
This got my attention:
http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/geocoding/index.html#Limits
"Note: The geocoding API can only be used in conjunction with a Google map, so the results of geocoding without displaying them on the map are forbidden. For full information on permitted use, see the Maps API API License Limitations."
Does this mean that we cannot use the geocoding service for this purpose? Before using libraries that access the Google geocoding service, I know that this is technically possible, but it sounds like a violation of the terms of service.
Are there other options for what we are trying to do?
Edit:
It turned out that our company has a license with Google to use addresses that are returned, and they will ultimately be displayed on the Google map to the end user, satisfying the terms of our agreement.
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