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Users of Google Map links for their websites will be charged for heavy usage of the service, it has been revealed. From 1 January 2012, Google will charge for the Google Maps API service when more than the limit of 25,000 map "hits" are made in a day. Websites, especially travel firms, use Google Maps to link customers to a view of the destinations they inquire about. Google is rumoured to be charging $4 per 1,000 views in excess of the limit.

Google Maps has introduced usage limits. According to a blog post by Thor Mitchell, product manager, Google Maps API, developers must now reduce their usage below set limits, opt-in to paying for excess usage or purchase a Maps API Premier licence. Update: A Google spokesperson has provided .net with the following statement: "Non-profits are not subject to these usage limits. For example, a disaster relief map is not subject to the usage limits even if it has been developed and/or is hosted by a commercial entity. In addition we recommend that eligible non-profits apply for a Maps API Premier license through the Google Earth Outreach program. This provides a number of benefits, including the right to opt-out of advertising, higher quotas for Maps API web services, and technical support." "We understand that developers need time to evaluate their usage, determine if they are affected, and respond if necessary," said Mitchell, noting that enforcement will only occur as of early 2012. He reasoned as follows on the changes: "[For] continued growth in adoption of the Maps API we need to secure its long-term future by ensuring that even when used by the highest volume for-profit sites, the service remains viable." Developers we contacted were split on the decision. Matthew Budd of Yammayap told us he's "been using the Google Maps API for years and restrictions come and go". He said that Google realises its system is widely used and imposing restrictions is inevitable. "All this restriction does is clarify the reasoning behind using Google Maps as a solution and shouldn't affect general everyday usage, where a whole online application doesn't rely on it," he added, suggesting that if you do need to use Google Maps as the basis for a whole application for a client, it makes sense to purchase a Premier license to lift the restrictions.