Google Geocoding API
The Google Geocoding API provides developers the ability to convert between human-readable addresses and geographic coordinates for various location-based applications.
Developed by Google
Reference for available routes, request structures, and live examples.
Converts addresses into geographic coordinates
https://maps.googleapis.com/jsoncurl -X GET 'https://maps.googleapis.com/json' \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY'{
"key": "API_KEY",
"address": "1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA"
}{
"status": "OK",
"results": [
{
"geometry": {
"location": {
"lat": 37.4224764,
"lng": -122.0842499
}
},
"formatted_address": "Google Building 1600, 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA"
}
]
}- Address autocomplete in web and mobile formsOptimized Capability
- Mapping user check-ins and locationsOptimized Capability
- Logistics and delivery route planningOptimized Capability
- Property and real estate search appsOptimized Capability
- Geotagging content based on user inputOptimized Capability
- ✓ Highly accurate and globally comprehensive geocoding data
- ✓ Scalable for small to enterprise applications
- ✓ Multiple response formats (JSON & XML)
- ✓ Excellent official documentation and tutorials
- ✓ Strong uptime and reliability, backed by Google infrastructure
- ✗ Usage subject to strict rate limits and quotas
- ✗ Pricing can scale rapidly for high-traffic apps
- ✗ Requires billing setup for production-level requests
- ✗ No truly offline mode; requires web connectivity
- ✗ Potential data privacy concerns for sensitive locations
FAQs
API Specifications
v1Under 15 minutes
50 requests per second per user
40,000 geocoding requests per month included for free on the pay-as-you-go model.
Use Case: Best For
Location-based apps, delivery services, map integrations, geospatial analytics
Not Recommended For
Offline geocoding, apps requiring unlimited requests, privacy-sensitive scenarios
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