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This script at openstreetmap shows how one can use google's Satellite view as a layer on top of others.

I noticed that to do so, one does not need to supply any API key. Does that mean that there are no limitation to the number of satellite views requests one can do?

In my case, I would like to use leaflet to display layers from both mapbox and google's Satellite view. But the cost of using the later is unclear!

I hope I made my point clear enough!

Thank you.

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Google Maps v3 does not require an API key but it is possible to use one for monitoring using the API Console - it is all based on the ip address of the requesting machine. developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/… – Mapperz♦ Oct 18 '12 at 13:33

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Google's licensing terms for the maps API is laid out here. There is a limitation on the number of map views, 25,000 according to this FAQ, but that's quite large even in the free version. That page shows you the restrictions based on the two options::

  • Google Maps API: "Your service must be freely and publicly accessible to end users."
  • Google Maps API for Business: where you pay based on the type of application (OEM, asset tracking, location planning). Minimum pricing is $10,000 per year, but that could change (up or down). (I got the pricing information from a Google business rep. My company purchased the service.)

With the maps service they also provide:

Distance Matrix

http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-is-distance-matrix.html

Directions Web Service

http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2010/05/directions-web-service-arrives-at.html

Route Optimization

http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2010/03/good-day-for-salesmen-that-travel-on.html

Styled Maps

http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2010/05/add-touch-of-style-to-your-maps.html

Earth Plug-in

http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2008/07/simulating-driving-directions-with.html

Reverse Geocoding

http://googlegeodevelopers.blogspot.com/2008/10/geocoding-in-reverse.html

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Thank you for this very complete answer. How did you know that the pricing was 10K/year? Also, where is the max number of map views shown? on Which row? And does map view equate to Satellite view? – tUrG0n Oct 18 '12 at 13:31
Just updated the answer to include the number of page views. Hope that helps! – katahdin Oct 18 '12 at 14:21
Oh, and I got the pricing information from a Google business rep. My company purchased the service. – katahdin Oct 18 '12 at 14:43
thank you :) Are you satisfied of with service? Have you even considered moving to another open service like mapbox/leaflet? etc..? – tUrG0n Oct 18 '12 at 15:04
I edited your answer to explain how you knew about the pricing. Thank you for answering! – tUrG0n Oct 18 '12 at 15:05
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