Maps API and billing

[23tony]

I was looking over the maps (directions) API billing information here https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/directions/usage-and-billing

If I'm reading this correctly, you would have to estimate the average user's usage of the API and price your app accordingly based on that. And if you underestimate, you could lose money. Am I understanding correctly?

It seems like it's practically impossible to offer a free/nearly-free map app with directions, given this.

 

[Deleted User]

I'll look more closely into that link you gave later, but in the meantime, have you considered TomTom maps API? I've used this recently in an app I'm working on, for location based services.
Just a suggestion as an alternative. Seems to offer a generous amount of transactions per day, for free. But it guess the cost will depend on your expected usage level.

https://developer.tomtom.com/

 

[23tony]

I had not considered that, wasn't even aware of it. I'll definitely check it out.

But if even that one charges (beyond a certain point) it certainly seems that a free map app is out of the question if it were to gain any traction. (bit IF, I know).

That said, it definitely looks like TomTom is cheaper - about 1/10 the price of Google if I'm reading their pricing chart correctly.