Multiple Location Map Object more info needed 
Author: John H.Hi all,
I have just started using the Multiple Location Map Object and am a bit confused as to how Google Maps billing works.
I have set my object up with 22 businesses in our Main Street, displayed as from A to V, with a link to their listing on our website.
Style sheet is set up as follows:
I am not using Search Field or Street View facility.
Could someone please explain which Google Maps I will be charged for. Does Google charge every time the map is opened? That is if a visitor clicks on a link and then goes back to the map is that classed as another HIT?
I am currently getting charged by Google when I was testing the object for the following maps:
Maps API
Directions API
Geocoding API
It's the Geocoding API that seems to charge the most, first day use for just a few test added up to $23.76
I am obviously doing something wrong, as if this is the case, it won't take long to reach my $200 free limit with Google.
If I am able to just use the Maps API the cost would only be a about 4 cents each hit. this would still quickly add up to 88 cents if someone looked at all 22 businesses.
I can't seem to find the information as to which maps this object uses and if the charge is for every time the same map gets displayed by the same visitor.
If anyone has a better solution for me that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for any help.
Cheers
John
Wait until the users of this property report their experiences here in the forum and perhaps give tips on how to reduce costs.
The Google pricing page says...
-----
$200
Usage credit per month
Your card can be loaded 28,500 times per month without you having to pay a cent.
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...that would mean that the credit would be topped up every month and if you don't use any of the additional options, the whole thing would be free.
The expensive additional options are probably only worthwhile for business people who earn money with their website. The question is, is this also worthwhile for other websites?
Perhaps Incomedia employees can also comment on this, they know best what has been built into the object.
I personally don't have maps on my websites and after this request I'm glad I don't need maps.
It's probably similar to advertising with Google Adsense, my brother did it a few times and the money just flew out of the window.
Good afternoon John
In order to be able to provide an exact answer to your question, I've forwarded the matter to the developers as to shed some light on this.
I'll update you here as soon as news on this becomes available
Stefano
Some suggestions for showing more locations on a map.
You can use GoogleMyMap. This is a free (yet) solution.
You could use PinDown (https://pindown.eu/).
The PinDown is an amazing piece of software.
Easy to use, it is free and it is easy to install. A pin can be "made" by an image that is geotagged or it can be from a record in a CSV-file.
The Google Map is good - but since they left the "Don't be evil" I will not give them any credit-card-information.
Author
Thanks Daniel W, I've been away a couple of days hence no earlier reply.
Thanks Stephano, as usual you always come through. Google Maps is very confusing when it comes to their pricing structure. I truly thought it would have been a much easier process. Be insteresting to see what the developers come back with.
Thanks John S, can always reply on you to help me out. This is one of the reasons why I stick with Website X5.
I will have a look at your suggestions during the week and let you know what happens.
Cheers guys, hope you all have a wonderful Festive Season.
John
Free solutions are here
https://pindown.eu/
https://www.openstreetmap.fr/
Author
Thanks Axel.
Have had a look at both suggestions. Pindown.eu looks ok but has very little details and no download??
Openstreetmap also look good but it will take a lot of knowledge for me to use it if I want it to do what the Multiple Location Map Object does.
I have decides to work with GoogleMyMaps, seems to be the easiest for me to use.
Anyway, thanks for your suggestions.
Cheers.
Author
Hi Stefano,
Still haven't heard back from the developpers of this object. So I have decided to use GoogleMyMap as suggested by our mate John S.
How do I go about getting a credit for the Multiple Location Map object that I am unable to use. If that is at all possible.
Thanks & Cheers
John
Hello John
If you are interested in the PinDown I could make a demo for you.
If you supply me with some images/logos and coordinates for the business and some text and some links for the business, then I could create a full setup. If it is something you could use, then I could zip the installation and you can then un-zip and install on your own server.
Author
Thanks John,
Think I may stick with the Google My Map. (While it's for free at least)
Still needs a bit of work but have made a start.
https://garfield.au/garfield-interactive-map.html
You have a great Christmas mate.
Cheers
John
And it can be seen in GoogleEarth
And a merry X-mas to all.