Google just redrew the map for locative media. The decision to charge for its Google Map APIs is a game changer that comes into effect this month (October 2011) and could impact upon many websites and mobile apps that use previously free mapping services.
We are so used to free web services that it seems surprising to learn that someone has to pay for all that cool Google Map platform development. I guess the same can be said of our GMail accounts that are filling up with messages by the hour. Maybe one day, Google will call time on that free ride too and turn it into a global gravy train?
Google Map APIs will be offered in a tiered pricing structure. There will still be a free option but credit card payments kick in when usage exceeds a certain threshold. Google claim the shift will be incremental so that developers have an opportunity to weigh up the options available.
As a developer who has worked with museums and artists to create map-based trails, the question remains over who foots the bill for Google Map subscriptions if a particular trail gains in popularity to the extent that it trips you over the payment threashold?
Of course, if such an application really takes off, then the trick is to monetise it. In which case, paying your subscription to Google shouldn’t be an issue!
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