This is a nice utility for embedding a static version of a Google Maps location. For example, if you didn’t want to actually embed the fully functional Google Map but just an image of that map you can use this to dynamically generate it based on URL parameters. That means if the address changes or you want to switch the view from Map to Satellite, all you need to do it pass a different value to the image path. Here’s a a couple examples:
These images are both generated on the fly via Google Maps.
[sourcecode lang=”html”]<img src="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=Risdall+Marketing+Group,550+Main+St,New+Brighton,MN+55112&zoom=14&size=200×200&sensor=false&markers=size:mid|color:blue|550+Main+St,New+Brighton,MN+55112" />[/sourcecode]
[sourcecode lang=”html”]<img src="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=Risdall+Marketing+Group,550+Main+St,New+Brighton,MN+55112&zoom=14&size=200×200&sensor=false&markers=size:mid|color:green|550+Main+St,New+Brighton,MN+55112&maptype=satellite" />[/sourcecode]
The bandwidth limitation is 1000 unique (different) image requests per viewer per day. Which means you would only see a limit on users who happen to view 1000 DIFFERENT static Google Maps images within a 24 hour period.