Re: Can I or Cant I?

Austin,

There are only a couple of rules regarding the API that you need to
understand. They are listed in the API TOU and the API FAQ.

TOU:

"Subject to the limitations and conditions described below, You may use
the API to display map images in conjunction with other information You
provide to end users. The API may be used only for services that are
generally accessible to consumers without charge."

Consumers are understood to be internet surfers, not customers of
yours, so keep that in mind. The map has to be on the open internet and
accessible to web surfers for no charge. Pretty clear.

FAQ: (http://www.google.com/apis/maps/faq.html#faq4)

4. Is the Maps API available for commercial websites?

Yes, it is, as long your site is generally accessible to consumers
without charge. For example, if your website is supported by
advertising, it likely falls within the terms of the Maps API. Or, if
you charge people to place information on your map (e.g., to list their
homes for sale), but you list this information on Google Maps on a free
part of your site, you'll also meet the Maps API terms of use.

However, not all commercial uses are allowed. For example,

* Premium websites - If your site is only available to paying
customers, you cannot use the Maps API.
* Enterprise websites - The Maps API is not available for use
within enterprise or intranet applications.

As you can see, commercial web sites are allowed, but have to meet the
TOS requirement of being "generally accessible to consumers without
charge."

You might want to read the mapki's comments on this. While not
official, they are pretty clear.

-John

http://maps.huge.info