Google Maps Mobile SDK for Business and Google Maps API for Android

Question

We use google map android api 2.0 to provide map functionality in our Android application. In our application, the Google map will be used to capture and display the location in the following cases.

Whenever a client opens the application (from androiddevice ) depending upon location services current location will be captured and using reverse geocoding process appropriate address will be generated. In reverse flow if any end user wants to enter address manually, using geocoding Service appropriate location will be showed on the map. 

Here are my questions

1 → What is the daily map load(api calls) limit for google map android api 2.0 , as it is for google map javascript api 3.0 (25 thousand cards per day)?

2 → What is geocoding(android.location.Geocoder) limits(No. of geocoding request) per day? , we do not use server-side geocoding, which is limited to 2500 free queries per day. Does this limit apply to geocoding android.location.Geocoder?

3 → Our application is intended for state authorities, and a city citizen will use it because I can use the google map android api 2.0 or do I need to purchase the Google Maps Mobile SDK for business?

4 → What is the difference between Google Maps Mobile SDK for Business and Google Maps Android API 2.0 difference in terms of card load per day and gecoding limits?

5 → In which case scenario should I use the Google Maps Mobile SDK for Business and the Google Maps Android API 2.0?

Any answer explaining above would be very helpful.

Thank you in advance

Answer 1

I am GDE for Google Maps (not Googler), and I have asked these questions to the Google Maps team before.

1) There are no restrictions for Google Maps Android API v2. See the Google API Console.

2) I did not hear any restrictions for android.location.Geocoder from the Google Maps team, because of this part of the Android system.

Read this answer: Google Geocoder quota limits

3) You can use both. But if you want to distribute it without an online store, you should conclude a contract with a business agreement. Follow TOS 9.1.2

https://developers.google.com/maps/terms#section_9_1_2

4) Google does not support Google for Android API Android version v2. Read this page. https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/business/mobile/

Answer 2

The accepted answer is misleading because although the API console does not show any restrictions on the Maps API, Google will contact you to activate billing or obtain a license for Maps for Business if the use of the Maps API remains high.

Here are the differences in quotas for using the Android API for Google Maps and the Google Maps API for Business: https://developers.google.com/maps/licensing

The following are the main differences in the SDKs of the two APIs: https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/business/mobile/android/#comparing_versions

PS The above SDK comparison table says that Maps for Mobile SDK is only available as a static library, but if you read the previous paragraph on the same page, you will see that you can also get the latest version of the SDK for Maps for business through the Android SDK manager .