End of the free and unlimited API for Google Maps, time for limits and price list

A few weeks ago Google announced that Google Translate API translator will be paid. But it is not the end of changes. Now, the company switched restrictions on the interface - Google Maps API.

Web sites and applications using each of the Maps API may at no cost generate up to:

• 25,000 map loads per day for each API
• 2,500 map loads per day that have been modified using the Styled Maps feature

Fortunately, Google is not as stringent limits on, like some hosting provider. If your site exceeds the specified limit, for example: because of the unexpected popularity, maps do not disappear right away. This will happen only when they will be regularly exceeded. You can greatly reduce the risk of being affected by the web service limits by using the relevant JavaScript or ActionScript class for the service concerned where appropriate.
Applications generating map load volumes below the usage limits can use the Maps API at no cost providing the application meets the requirements of the Google Maps API Terms of Service. Prices will be ranged from $4 to $10 for 1000 generated maps over the usage limits. Details can be found here.
p.s.
Remember that you can always take advantage of the alternatives like Open Street Map or MapQuest - unless of course they are also free. In addition, some companies provide maps for only one country, such as Polish targeo.pl, mapgo.pl.