Google's new usage charges for the Maps API
Google have recently announced that they will be introducing usage charges for websites which exceed 25,000 Map API calls per day, see http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2011/10/introduction-of-usage-limits-to-maps.html. These changes may affect Map Channels as the usage will be applied to the combined maps total for the domain which is currently in excess of this limit. I am working on ways to avoid these charges and am still hopeful that Google will revise the plan to offer a better deal for map developer sites such as Map Channels. Google intend to charge $4 per 1,000 map API 'hits' which would be far in excess of all site income from adsense and donations.
The usage charges are not being applied until 'early 2012' so there will be no immediate effect on Map Channels. As an initial step Dual Maps and Mobile Place Maps have been moved to separate domains at
www.dualmaps.com and www.mobileplacemaps.com.
Additional map hosting domains may be added later to spread the load of maps usage and avoid the usage charges. Announcements will be made through the site should any major changes need to be made to Map Channels. Please subscribe to our Twitter and RSS News feeds for the latest information.
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