A plain-language explanation
Google Maps API is a set of programming interfaces that allow you to embed maps, routes, geocoding and place data into websites and applications.
Where it helps in practice
Maps API can power maps, place search and routes, with every call subject to quotas, cost and display terms.
The decision before implementation
Restrict keys to named domains and services, set budgets and design fallback behaviour for quota exhaustion.
How to verify the result
Track endpoint usage, errors, cost, location accuracy and any client-side key exposure.
