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moshen / node-googlemaps

A simple way to query the Google Maps API from Node.js
MIT License
560 stars 148 forks source link

API License #50

Closed bolau closed 10 years ago

bolau commented 10 years ago

Hi, I started to use node-googlemaps to obtain directions from Google maps. I assumed that node-googlemaps uses the Google Maps Javascript API Version 3. Sadly I discovered that this assumption is incorrect, and the Google Maps API is being used. This makes it unusable for my case, since the path field is missing in the routes, and much more important, its license does not allow the server-only use:

"The Directions API may only be used in conjunction with displaying results on a Google map; using Directions data without displaying a map for which directions data was requested is prohibited. Additionally, calculation of directions generates copyrights and warnings which must be displayed to the user in some fashion. For complete details on allowed usage, consult the Maps API Terms of Service License Restrictions."

I imagine that a big part of the people who use google maps on node.js do not displaying a map. Am I overlooking something?

fredx21 commented 10 years ago

Hi, From what I understand:

Google Maps Javascript API Version 3 is the client-side version of Google Maps Services. They include multple javascript libraries meant to run in the browser. If you look closely at how to get an API key for those services, the documentation specifies to get Browser key.

Google Maps API is the server-side (RESTful) version of Google Maps Services. If you look closely at how to get an API key for those services, the documentation specifies to get Server key.

So if I understand the Google Maps API models correctly, node-googlemaps is using the correct API.

As for the map displaying requirement, I believe this is just how google wants to protect him-self so its does not give away their ressources without a compensation. If you want to avoid this requirement, I believe your only option is to buy a Maps for Business license from Google. From the FAQ: If you're using the Maps API internally or for asset tracking purposes, you must have a Maps API for Business license.

Fred

moshen commented 10 years ago

I believe that @fredx21 is correct. If you look under the terms: https://developers.google.com/maps/terms (under section 10.1.1(g) No Use of Content without a Google Map.)

There are some other restrictions outlined in sections 8,9 and 10.

Edit: Was wrong. I have corrected myself.