> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://devs.snowdropsolutions.co.uk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://devs.snowdropsolutions.co.uk/advanced-use-cases/google-maps.md).

# Google Maps

Many of our customers display details of the merchant on a Detail page, with a Google Map showing the location of the merchant (see [Recommended UX](/implementation-guides/recommended-ux.md)):

![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/slidesz/AGV_vUcIlK7HKSmAFNgy_cckowdiuM8VU9tlPZ44_qRBdAKi84M23L19l-y6JqNNBnyXrwywKoDeXd4o8W2XDxTTSniAjg28Eb-GbFJvhm9h7rvM7-GMt4DyQh1TzDMHgP7zks8lQzKplvla6-kvkvwGig0PHJCT_pbx=s2048?key=ylfgmPEICIhqqglPem5QQA)

Map loads on mobile can be addressed via Google Maps APIs or Google Maps SDKs.

Two basic types of map presentation are offered

* Static Maps - single image is presented
* Dynamic Maps - interactive map which can be panned and zoomed

Using Google Maps API calls

* Incurs a cost per call
* Dynamic Maps cost more than Static Maps 
* Snowdrop can help model the costs.

#### Recommended: Using Google Maps Software Developer Kit (SDK)

* Generally speaking calls are free and unlimited if you use the SDK (both Dynamic and Static).
  * Avoid the use of a Map ID when loading the map.  As per this price list: [Link](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/android-sdk/usage-and-billing)
* SDK automatically handles access to Google Maps servers, map display, and response to user gestures
* When using the SDK it is best practice to restrict the API key to just map Map calls. Here is a [blog post](https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/maps-platform/google-maps-platform-best-practices-restricting-api-keys).
* The SDKs are created and supported by Google but Snowdrop can assist with questions and support as well.

#### Further Recommendations

* Use Static Maps when only displaying the Merchant 
* Use the Mobile Maps SDK if possible

#### Links

[Google Maps SDK for Android](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/android-sdk/overview)

[Google Maps SDK for iOS](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/ios-sdk/overview)