OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Udacity logo

Google Maps APIs

Emily Keller, Ajay Hemnani, and Michael Wales

This course will introduce you to the content available through the Google Maps APIs. You’ll be walked through building a real-estate listings site step-by-step, using a beautifully styled Google map, data visualization, street view panoramas, and various nifty location related features such as calculating distance between locations, getting directions, and viewing places of interest data. You’ll also see other examples of Google Maps APIs in action, and understand how to put your new knowledge into practice by creating your own Project in the Google APIs Console.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Use code at checkout. Valid for a limited time only
Bootcamp level quality
Complete hands-on projects and get personalized feedback with Udacity.
Take
40%
off
OPENCOURSER

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Appeals to beginners who may want to gain exposure to Google Maps applications development
Provides a hands-on approach to developing solutions using the Google Maps APIs
Builds a solid foundation for working with location-based data and functionality
Emphasizes the practical implementation of Google Maps features
Relies on popular tools and technologies, ensuring relevance to real-world applications
Requires prior knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for optimal learning

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical introduction to google maps apis

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the Google Maps JavaScript API, particularly strong in its practical, hands-on project of building a real-estate site. Students highlight the clear explanations, helpful labs and demos, and step-by-step approach as key strengths. The course is seen as a good starting point for web developers wanting to integrate maps. However, a few reviewers note that some API methods shown may be slightly outdated, requiring users to consult external documentation. There is also some divergence on prerequisites, with some finding it requires more than just basic JavaScript knowledge, suggesting it may be better suited for those with intermediate skills rather than absolute beginners.
May require more than basic JS knowledge.
"The prerequisites mention basic JS, but I felt you needed more than just basic knowledge to follow along easily."
"not recommended for absolute beginners in JavaScript or web development. The project was too complex for my current skill level."
"Good for a beginner [to Maps API], maybe not for intermediate developers [looking for depth]."
"The course assumes some basic JS knowledge, which is fair."
Instructor explanations and demos are clear.
"The instructor's pace was good, and the explanations were clear."
"The explanations were clear and the demos helpful."
"Useful demonstrations of different features."
"I appreciated the demos covering different features like Street View and directions."
Building the real-estate site is useful.
"The step-by-step guide to building the real estate site is excellent and provides practical hands-on experience."
"Building the project alongside the videos really solidified the learning. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to integrate Google Maps into their web projects."
"The hands-on project was the best part, very practical."
"Excellent, practical course. The step-by-step project makes learning easy and directly applicable."
Requires consulting official documentation.
"I felt it wasn't deep enough for more complex use cases... I found myself needing to consult the official Google Maps API documentation quite a lot for details not covered."
"It gives a good overview of the capabilities, but expect to do some additional reading."
Some API calls may be outdated.
"My only minor complaint is that some of the API methods shown seem slightly outdated or deprecated in newer versions, requiring a bit of extra research to adapt."
"some of the older API features demonstrated might have been superseded by newer methods now."
"Some APIs mentioned seem outdated."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Google Maps APIs with these activities:
Review HTML, CSS, and JavaScript basics
Solidify your understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the foundational technologies for web development, before beginning the course.
Browse courses on HTML
Show steps
  • Review HTML syntax and structure.
  • Review CSS selectors and styles.
  • Review JavaScript fundamentals (variables, data types, control flow).
Read "Head First Java"
Review the Java programming language, which is essential for understanding the Google Maps APIs.
View Head First Software Development: A Learner's... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book's chapters on core Java concepts.
  • Complete the practice exercises provided in the book.
Complete the Google Maps Platform Quickstart
Hands-on experience with the Google Maps APIs will help you understand their functionality and application.
Show steps
  • Follow the steps in the Google Maps Platform Quickstart.
  • Create a simple map using the Google Maps JavaScript API.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a study group or online forum for the course
Connect with other students to discuss the course material, share knowledge, and work through problems together.
Show steps
  • Find or start a study group or online forum.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Attend a tech meetup or conference focused on Google Maps
Network with professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and applications of the Google Maps APIs.
Show steps
  • Find a relevant tech meetup or conference.
  • Attend the event and engage with speakers and attendees.
Solve coding challenges on LeetCode
Practice solving coding challenges to improve your problem-solving skills and reinforce your understanding of JavaScript.
Show steps
  • Choose coding challenges that focus on JavaScript.
  • Solve the challenges using the concepts covered in the course.
Build a simple web application using the Google Maps APIs
Create a practical project that demonstrates your understanding of the Google Maps APIs and your ability to apply them in a real-world scenario.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple web application idea that utilizes Google Maps.
  • Design and develop the application using the Google Maps APIs.
Contribute to open-source projects that use the Google Maps APIs
Gain practical experience and contribute to the Google Maps community by working on open-source projects.
Show steps
  • Find open-source projects that use the Google Maps APIs.
  • Identify ways to contribute to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Google Maps APIs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Web Developer
As a Web Developer, you will be responsible for designing and developing websites and web applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which are essential for creating interactive and user-friendly maps. With this knowledge, you will be able to add maps to your websites and applications, allowing users to explore locations, get directions, and find nearby businesses.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
GIS Analyst
As a GIS Analyst, you will use geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and visualize data. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which are widely used in GIS applications. With this knowledge, you will be able to create custom maps, analyze spatial data, and develop GIS solutions for a variety of industries.
See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst
Software Engineer
As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which are used in a variety of software applications. With this knowledge, you will be able to add maps and location-based features to your software applications, making them more user-friendly and informative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Data Scientist
As a Data Scientist, you will use data to solve problems and make decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to analyze and visualize spatial data. With this knowledge, you will be able to use maps to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data, and develop data-driven solutions for a variety of industries.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Product Manager
As a Product Manager, you will be responsible for developing and managing products. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to create interactive and user-friendly maps for a variety of products. With this knowledge, you will be able to add maps to your products, making them more visually appealing and informative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
UX Designer
As a UX Designer, you will be responsible for designing the user experience of websites and applications. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to create interactive and user-friendly maps. With this knowledge, you will be able to add maps to your designs, making them more visually appealing and informative.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer
Marketing Analyst
As a Marketing Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing marketing data and developing marketing campaigns. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to analyze and visualize marketing data. With this knowledge, you will be able to use maps to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data, and develop data-driven marketing campaigns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst
Business Analyst
As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business data and developing business solutions. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to analyze and visualize business data. With this knowledge, you will be able to use maps to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data, and develop data-driven business solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Project Manager
As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to plan and manage projects. With this knowledge, you will be able to use maps to visualize project timelines, milestones, and deliverables, and track project progress.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Sales Manager
As a Sales Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing a sales team. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to track sales territories, visualize sales data, and identify sales opportunities. With this knowledge, you will be able to use maps to improve your sales strategy and increase sales performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Customer Success Manager
As a Customer Success Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the success of your customers. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to track customer locations, visualize customer data, and identify customer needs. With this knowledge, you will be able to use maps to improve your customer service and increase customer satisfaction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager
Technical Writer
As a Technical Writer, you will be responsible for writing technical documentation. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to create interactive and user-friendly maps for your documentation. With this knowledge, you will be able to add maps to your documentation, making it more visually appealing and informative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Educator
As an Educator, you will be responsible for teaching students about a variety of subjects. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to create interactive and user-friendly maps for your lessons. With this knowledge, you will be able to add maps to your lessons, making them more visually appealing and informative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educator
Consultant
As a Consultant, you will be responsible for providing advice and guidance to clients. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to create interactive and user-friendly maps for your clients. With this knowledge, you will be able to add maps to your presentations, making them more visually appealing and informative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Freelancer
As a Freelancer, you will be responsible for providing your services to clients on a contract basis. This course will help you build a foundation in the Google Maps APIs, which can be used to create interactive and user-friendly maps for your clients. With this knowledge, you will be able to add maps to your proposals, making them more visually appealing and informative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Freelancer

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Google Maps APIs.
Cover image
JavaScript Everywhere
Save
Google Maps API for Work book that can be used to supplement this course because it provides a comprehensive overview of the Google Maps API. The book covers all the major features of Google Maps, including how to add markers, lines, and polygons to a map.
JavaScript Everywhere: Building Cross-Platform...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Advanced Android Application Development
Save
Google Maps API Development for Android book that can be used to supplement this course because it provides a comprehensive overview of the Google Maps API. The book covers all the major features of Google Maps, including how to add markers, lines, and polygons to a map.
Advanced Android Application Development...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
QGIS: Becoming a GIS Power User
Save
Automating GIS Processes with Python book that can be used to supplement this course because it provides an overview of Python, a popular programming language used in GIS.
QGIS: Becoming a GIS Power User
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
GIS Tutorial 2
Save
GIS Tutorial 2: Spatial Analysis Workbook book that can be used to supplement this course because it provides an overview of spatial analysis, a key concept in GIS.
GIS Tutorial 2: Spatial Analysis Workbook (GIS...
Paperback
$$
GIS Tutorial 2: Spatial Analysis Workbook (GIS...
Paperback
$$$
GIS Tutorial II: Spatial Analysis Workbook (GIS...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Getting Around with Google Maps
Save
Practical Geocoding with Google Maps APIs book that can be used to supplement this course because it provides an overview of geocoding, a key concept in GIS.
Getting around with Google Maps: A programmer's...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Book of OSM
Save
Provides a deep dive into OpenStreetMap, an open-source alternative to Google Maps. Covers data collection, editing, and visualization. Useful for developers who want to understand the principles of open geospatial data and contribute to the OpenStreetMap community.
The Book of OSM
Paperback
$$
The Book of OSM
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
MapReduce Design Patterns
Save
While this book focuses on MapReduce for big data processing, it provides valuable insights into distributed computing and data analysis techniques. Useful for developers who want to understand the underlying principles of geospatial data processing and analysis at scale.
MapReduce Design Patterns: Building Effective...
Kindle Edition
$$
(中文) MapReduce design pattern(Chinese Edition)
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Southern African Geomorphology
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of geospatial analysis techniques and software tools. While it does not cover Google Maps API specifically, it offers a solid foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of geospatial analysis. Useful for developers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the field and explore advanced concepts.
Southern African Geomorphology
Paperback
Check
Southern African Geomorphology
Kindle Edition
Check
The Gis Book
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of GIS concepts and technologies, including data acquisition, processing, analysis, and visualization. While it does not cover Google Maps API specifically, it offers valuable insights into the history and evolution of GIS.
The GIS Book 4th Edition Updated & Expanded
Paperback
$$$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Google Maps APIs.
Learn Imba
Most relevant
Responsive Website Development and Design Capstone
Most relevant
Learn Bootstrap
Most relevant
Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS
Most relevant
Build Your First React Website
Most relevant
Programming and Application Foundations
Most relevant
Hosting a Static Website (HTML/CSS/Javascript) in AWS S3
Most relevant
Learn TypeScript
Most relevant
Advanced JavaScript & Full-Stack Concepts
Most relevant

Udacity Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Industry-Co-Developed Nanodegrees
Free Trial & Audit

Free Curriculum Previews

Free course syllabi previews, curriculum overviews, and introductory technical resources across tech programs.

Return & Refund Policy

7-Day Full Refund Window

7-day full refund guarantee for initial Nanodegree enrollment (14 days for EU residents). Subsequent monthly renewals are non-refundable; cancel at least 1 day before renewal date.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Real-world project evaluations by expert human reviewers, technical mentor guidance, and curriculum co-created with Google, AWS, and Meta.

Key Purchase Protections
7-day money-back refund guarantee on enrollment
14-day refund window for European Union (EU) residents
Detailed human code and project reviews within hours
Curriculum co-created with tech leaders (Google, AWS, Meta)
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Via
Udacity
Instructors
Emily Keller
Ajay Hemnani
Michael Wales
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Appeals to beginners who may want to gain exposure to Google Maps applications development
Provides a hands-on approach to developing solutions using the Google Maps APIs
Builds a solid foundation for working with location-based data and functionality
Emphasizes the practical implementation of Google Maps features
Relies on popular tools and technologies, ensuring relevance to real-world applications
Requires prior knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for optimal learning
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Google Maps APIs.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser