using google geoloccation without google map - geolocation

Question

I am using Google geoloc to verify and normalize addresses determine places within a specific radius. However, google documentation states that the Google Maps Geocoding API may only be used in conjunction with a Google Map.
I want to know if this applies to me since I am not displaying this data on the client side

Answer 1

First of all, the Google Geocoder is not optimal for all/many situations, particularly those requiring massive amounts of geocoding for a preset dataset. The comprehensive list of alternative APIs could be found here.
Even though Google Maps Geocoding API Usage Limits documentation says:
The Google Maps Geocoding API may only be used in conjunction with a
Google map; geocoding results without displaying them on a map is
prohibited. For complete details on allowed usage, consult the Maps API Terms > of Service License Restrictions.
it is technically doable to utilize Maps Geocoding API without displaying results on map as demonstrated below:
function initMap() {
var geocoder = new google.maps.Geocoder();
document.getElementById('submit').addEventListener('click', function () {
geocodeAddress(geocoder);
});
}
function geocodeAddress(geocoder) {
var address = document.getElementById('address').value;
geocoder.geocode({ 'address': address }, function (results, status) {
if (status === google.maps.GeocoderStatus.OK) {
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = results[0].geometry.location.toString();
} else {
alert('Geocode was not successful for the following reason: ' + status);
}
});
}
html, body {
height: 100%;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
}
#map {
height: 100%;
}
#panel {
position: absolute;
z-index: 5;
background-color: #fff;
padding: 5px;
border: 1px solid #999;
text-align: center;
font-family: 'Roboto','sans-serif';
line-height: 30px;
padding-left: 10px;
}
<div id="panel">
<input id="address" type="textbox" value="Sydney, NSW">
<input id="submit" type="button" value="Geocode">
<div id="result"></div>
</div>
<script src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?callback=initMap"
async defer></script>