This service is also available as part of the client-side Maps JavaScript API, or for server-side use with the Java Client, Python Client, Go Client and Node.js Client for Google Maps Services.
What is geocoding?
Geocoding is the process of converting addresses (like "1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA") into geographic coordinates (like latitude 37.423021 and longitude -122.083739), which you can use to place markers on a map, or position the map.
Reverse geocoding is the process of converting geographic coordinates into a human-readable address.
You can also use the Geocoding API to find the address for a given place ID.
The Geocoding API provides a direct way to access these services via an HTTP request. The following example uses the Geocoding service through the Maps JavaScript API to demonstrate the basic functionality.
View this example fullscreen to see additional functionality of the Geocoding API, such as more options available for tailoring the request (component filtering and viewport biasing) and more details about each result.
Before you begin
This document describes the Geocoding API web service. It is intended for website and mobile developers who want to use geocoding data within maps provided by one of the Google Maps Platform APIs.
Note: This service is generally designed for geocoding static (known in advance) addresses for placement of application content on a map; this service is not designed to respond in real time to user input. For dynamic geocoding (for example, within a user interface element), consult the documentation for the Maps JavaScript API client geocoder and/or the Google Play services Location APIs.
Before you start developing with the Geocoding API, review the authentication requirements (you need an API key) and the API usage and billing information (you need to enable billing on your project).