Do we need to use API key for Google Geocoding API in production

Question

I created a small project. I am using google geocoding API to get the latitude and longitude.

https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/geocoding

Sample Request:

https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?address=1600+Amphitheatre+Parkway,+Mountain+View,+CA&sensor=true

Now I going to production. I am not using the commercial account. Do i need to add the KEY to my Request or not

Can some one tell whether to use the KEY or NOT

Thank you Andrew for the reply. I am sorry I didn't get you what your asking . — Abhi
I am asking if you have tried to send the request without the key. — Andrew Barber
ya it is working please, try the following link maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/… — Abhi

Dr.Molle Dr.Molle · Accepted Answer · 2014-04-04T20:40:53

It's not required to use the key, but you should(the explanation may be found in the documentation)

Especially the key-based quota is important. When the domain you are using shares the IP with other domains you will share the quota for geocoding with all the other domains when you don't use a key. Of course this wouldn't be acceptable in production(at least for me)

Do we need to use API key for Google Geocoding API in production

1 Answers