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Google Maps Platform

cloud.google.com

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Re: Google Maps Platform

#61

Post by puzzle »

jefe_ wrote: post #25
gowld wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

https://developer.amazon.com/docs/maps/get-started.html

Did not know about this, thanks for sharing. It almost increases the mystery in my mind. It appears this API is only available for use in Amazon Android apps, it's certainly marketed that way. It's as if they went 99% of the way of having a full map offering, but decided that Maps were somehow going to drive Kindle Fire adoption. Very interesting.

More likely than not, because the data is not theirs (I think it's Navteq->Nokia->Here), they wouldn't be able to resell it with a markup at a competitive price, so they don't even try.

Re: Google Maps Platform

#62

Post by tmcw »

jefe_ wrote: post #11

Does anyone know why Amazon doesn't have a maps offering on AWS? I've heard their internal logistics GIS services are pretty advanced and it surprises me they don't have a GIS category on AWS to the point I'm convinced there must some very specific reason they've chosen not to implement. Companies like MapBox and Carto seem to be doing well, Microsoft and Google have map services, demand seems to exist. Additionally…

Supply is expensive, and running a 'maps offering' is more of a data-collection and data-maintenance challenge than a logistical challenge. Of course AWS probably will offer such a service eventually, simply to complete their Gotta Catch Them All product strategy, but for now they've seemed to focus on things where their value is in software and infrastructure, not in having a 500 person staff of people with the background and skills to validate and compile geospatial data.

To the inevitable takes on this, no, it's not just a matter of downloading OpenStreetMap or any other data source.

disclosure: former Mapbox person.

Re: Google Maps Platform

#63

Post by buckhx »

pveugen wrote: post #41
jasonHav wrote: post #31

As someone who's only every used Google Maps, can anyone suggest a solid alternative? Geocoding and directions would be the minimum I'd need - with solid data in Australia.

Mapbox offers maps, geocoding, and directions, with solid coverage in Australia. https://www.mapbox.com/geocoding/ Happy to answer any questions. Disclaimer: I work at Mapbox.

Does mapbox provide place details data yet? Last time I spoke w/ sales it was a planned feature, but not released.

Re: Google Maps Platform

#64

Post by tmcw »

pm90 wrote: post #37
smt88 wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

AWS seems to me to mostly be a way to configure and sell capacity on hardware. Amazon probably has a lot of fantastic data and software that isn't available outside the company.

AWS was one of the biggest profit centers for Amazon in several recent quarters. Why they don't monetize their GIS data yet is anyone's guess.

They don't have GIS data to monetize, not of the sort that you could run a successful commercial geocoding or directions service on.

Re: Google Maps Platform

#65

Post by sebasmurphy »

outside2344 wrote: post #52
kinard wrote: post #12

WOW, my costs are going to go from about $320 per month to $3,750 per month. Time to find a different solution! GULP!

I'm using Mapbox - much nicer and much cheaper - check them out.

I was trying to set up my first gmaps project a couple of weeks ago using node and ran into a bunch of issues that were hard to resolve due to lack up updated documentation. Switched over to mapbox and got everything working in like 5 min or so. +1

Re: Google Maps Platform

#66

Post by flutterpie »

paganel wrote: post #6

Not a native English speaker and also not that well versed when it comes to marketing talk, but what exactly does "$200 monthly free credit" mean? (from this page: https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/user-guide/pricing-ch... ). Do you get a sort of voucher with which you'll be able to use Google Maps services worth $200 each month? Will Google automatically start billing you once you surpass that quota? I'm in the…

From the email I received it states you must have a billing account to qualify for the $200 Free otherwise you won't be able to use it.

"In addition, this change will require you to enable billing and associate it with all of your Google Maps Platform projects. Creating a billing account helps us better understand your usage so we can continue developing helpful products."

If you don't add a billing account it:

"will return low-resolution maps watermarked with “for development purposes only.”"

Re: Google Maps Platform

#67

Post by samstave »

Ive always wondered why Google Maps hasnttaken that of a topological yellow pages - where you have a limited blurb that can appear on your location beacon if your a business and if I search for "thing near me" your location and blurb can pop on a users' map and if they click on you to go to you, think of it as an ad click to your location.

Or is this already a thing?

EDIT: This looks exactly like what they are doing with that little rating icon above the building...

Re: Google Maps Platform

#69

Post by samstave »

jefe_ wrote: post #11

Does anyone know why Amazon doesn't have a maps offering on AWS? I've heard their internal logistics GIS services are pretty advanced and it surprises me they don't have a GIS category on AWS to the point I'm convinced there must some very specific reason they've chosen not to implement. Companies like MapBox and Carto seem to be doing well, Microsoft and Google have map services, demand seems to exist. Additionally…

Likely because it would put it in direct competition with many of its customers.

Re: Google Maps Platform

#70

Post by tybit »

eden123 wrote: post #45

I find it very interesting that Google Maps has 1 billion Monthly Active Users compared to Facebook’s 2+ billion. Where is this huge difference coming from?

In addition to the other good answers, there’s also the difference that for maps there are actually alternatives.

E.g many people use Apple maps just because it is there by default on IOS.

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