Can I use Google Maps API (Places API) in my iPhone app to find locations near me?

Question

I have a couple of questions regarding using Google maps API, especially the Places API in my iPhone application.

1. Can I use Places API in my iPhone app and still release the app as a paid app? Could I release my app as free if I am unable to use these APIs in a paid app?

2. Is there an example for figuring out store locations around user's current location using Places API? For example if the user types "Groceries" in the app, I would like to show all the Store that sell groceries near the user's location.

Thanks!

Answer 1

1) Taken from their terms and conditions:

If your Maps API Implementation is deployed internally or you are charging for use of your Maps API Implementation, please contact the Google Maps API Premier sales team for more information.

2) Location is a required parameter in any search request:

http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/places/#PlaceSearchRequests

Answer 2

1. Yes, you can use Google Map API in paid apps according to the term of use 9.1.1-(a) and 9.1.2-(b). The terms of service can be found at https://developers.google.com/maps/terms : (b) Mobile Applications. The rule in Section 9.1.1(a) (Free Access) does not apply if your Maps API Implementation is used in a mobile application that is sold for a fee through an online store and is downloadable to a mobile device that can access the online store.

2. Examples can be found at https://developers.google.com/places/ and https://developers.google.com/places/documentation/