Google Maps is the best place to discover local businesses, literally everywhere in the world. As a result, it offers a comprehensive resource for gathering data for competitive analysis, reviews analysis, general research and many other use cases. At SerpApi, we have developed a full suite of APIs for Google Maps, covering everything from retrieving keyword-based listings and detailed reviews to accessing photos and directions.
Starting with Google Maps Autocomplete
Use autocomplete to expand your search. You can also use it to see what most people are searching for.
Response:
[
{
"value": "barber near me",
"serpapi_link": "https://serpapi.com/search.json?engine=google_maps_autocomplete&ll=%4040.7455096%2C-74.0083012%2C14z&q=barber+near+me",
"maps_serpapi_link": "https://serpapi.com/search.json?engine=google_maps&google_domain=google.com&hl=en&ll=%4040.7455096%2C-74.0083012%2C14z&q=barber+near+me&type=search",
"type": "keyword"
},
...
]
You can use maps_serpapi_link
to continue the search for the listing
For some searches, you might get place result directly. It is another use case where you can check if a business is showing up for the search query.
Google Maps Search
The Google Maps API is one of our customers' favourite. You can use any search query that you would normally use in Google Maps. We have a comprehensive blog post on using Google Maps API.
Response:
[
{
"position": 1,
"title": "B & H Barber Shop - East Village Barber Shop",
"place_id": "ChIJtdW5loJZwokRS2SpUalQ6U0",
"data_id": "0x89c2598296b9d5b5:0x4de950a951a9644b",
"data_cid": "5614107098643784779",
"reviews_link": "https://serpapi.com/search.json?data_id=0x89c2598296b9d5b5%3A0x4de950a951a9644b&engine=google_maps_reviews&hl=en",
"photos_link": "https://serpapi.com/search.json?data_id=0x89c2598296b9d5b5%3A0x4de950a951a9644b&engine=google_maps_photos&hl=en",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 40.72409,
"longitude": -73.9840255
},
"place_id_search": "https://serpapi.com/search.json?engine=google_maps&google_domain=google.com&hl=en&place_id=ChIJtdW5loJZwokRS2SpUalQ6U0",
"provider_id": "/g/11f2w6vjvv",
"rating": 4.9,
"reviews": 606,
"type": "Barber shop",
"types": [
"Barber shop",
"Hair salon",
"Hairdresser"
],
"type_id": "barber_shop",
"type_ids": [
"barber_shop",
"hair_salon",
"unisex_hairdresser"
],
"address": "199 E 4th St, New York, NY 10009",
"open_state": "Closed ⋅ Opens 9:30 AM Thu",
"hours": "Closed ⋅ Opens 9:30 AM Thu",
"operating_hours": {
"wednesday": "9:30 AM–7:30 PM",
"thursday": "9:30 AM–7:30 PM",
"friday": "9:30 AM–2:30 PM",
"saturday": "Closed",
"sunday": "10 AM–7 PM",
"monday": "9:30 AM–7:30 PM",
"tuesday": "9:30 AM–7:30 PM"
},
"phone": "(646) 896-1090",
"website": "https://bhbarbershop.com/",
"book_online": "https://www.vagaro.com/googlemap/U2FsdGVkX18eAUMQacUiHvxxH7voVH7EchNTSXpVjBM=/services?hl=en-US&gei=_JNjZ4H2GZvU5NoPnZjJqQw&rwg_token=AJKvS9Xm8ynySn2gzIPrKAm_tIJBNPBSXZL_amDdzpVOUYCK3prgOmKb6ZZdgYMrgTRXJ2evcH2paxtvjZC0XNaiPU49oHoFZg%3D%3D",
"thumbnail": "https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipPNutaa0ve1kGGPwYpwk8fol5uKfB0EHga99pLn=w137-h92-k-no"
},
...
]
Next, we have Google Maps Reviews
Google Maps Reviews API provide detail reviews for the business. If you are ready to dive into the code, we have a comprehensive blog post covering it.
Response:
[
{
"link": "https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuczQtMkN3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x4de950a951a9644b!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDns4-2Cw%7CCgwIkNubuAYQiNDBwQI%7C?hl=en-US",
"rating": 5,
"date": "2 months ago",
"iso_date": "2024-10-09T20:54:40Z",
"iso_date_of_last_edit": "2024-10-09T20:54:40Z",
"source": "Google",
"review_id": "ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuczQtMkN3EAE",
"user": {
"name": "Alex Zamoshchin",
"link": "https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113686164479194066945?hl=en-US",
"contributor_id": "113686164479194066945",
"thumbnail": "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXL43cCsYyCGo_0TlC2z5gKv92jarFh9DW2XIg-rbMd2bmMICPR6w=s120-c-rp-mo-br100",
"local_guide": true,
"reviews": 13,
"photos": 0
},
"snippet": "I’ve had haircuts from both Josef and Sam, and they are fantastic! They take the time to listen, offer thoughtful recommendations, and truly care about their clients. The service is quick and efficient, but they never rush or pressure you. They also respond well to feedback, making sure you’re satisfied with the result. And most importantly, the fades look great every time. Highly recommend!",
"extracted_snippet": {
"original": "I’ve had haircuts from both Josef and Sam, and they are fantastic! They take the time to listen, offer thoughtful recommendations, and truly care about their clients. The service is quick and efficient, but they never rush or pressure you. They also respond well to feedback, making sure you’re satisfied with the result. And most importantly, the fades look great every time. Highly recommend!"
},
"details": {
"price": "$30–40",
"services": "Haircut"
},
"likes": 0
},
...
]
Google Maps Photos
The Google Maps Photos API allows you to access high-quality images associated with businesses, landmarks, and locations on Google Maps.
Response:
[
{
"thumbnail": "https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipNiKn0xTgInuqjdYA81OPRTEQi7Rwueeh4ZWUUf=w203-h270-k-no",
"image": "https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipNiKn0xTgInuqjdYA81OPRTEQi7Rwueeh4ZWUUf=w3000-h4000-k-no",
"photo_meta_serpapi_link": "https://serpapi.com/search.json?data_id=AF1QipNiKn0xTgInuqjdYA81OPRTEQi7Rwueeh4ZWUUf&engine=google_maps_photo_meta"
},
...
]
Google Maps Photo Meta
The Google Maps Photos API alone does not provide detailed information about the user, date, or location. That’s where the Google Maps Photo Meta API becomes essential for customers who need this additional data.
Response:
{
...
"user": {
"name": "M. Wilson",
"link": "https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/103630351319564047960",
"image": "https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWbijJnt_FpCsMnl9HQ-t0PS2D3b-epD5up2kDqFIE4A44tYcArSQ=s48-p-k-no-mo",
"user_id": "103630351319564047960"
},
"location": {
"latitude": 40.72408999249987,
"longitude": -73.98402553099665,
"name": "B & H Barber Shop - East Village Barber Shop",
"type": "Barber shop"
},
"date": "30-9-2020"
}
Google Maps Contributor Reviews
The Google Maps Contributor Reviews API allows you to collect all reviews posted by a specific user across different businesses.
Response:
[
{
"place_info": {
"title": "Khaosan",
"address": "128 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 40.6945863,
"longitude": -73.99428019999999
},
"type": "Thai",
"thumbnail": "https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipOaFgo7YrvskP0AeB2q7vGiIB8d8atEidLWwLd2=w266-h200-k-no",
"data_id": "0x89c25b4e007d423f:0xd95e384fb52fe0c0"
},
"date": "a month ago",
"snippet": "Their new winter menu is delicious, especially the Lychee Tom Kha soup. Everyone is so friendly. Love this place.",
"review_id": "ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzNS0zR1FBEAE",
"rating": 5,
"likes": 0,
"link": "https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzNS0zR1FBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xd95e384fb52fe0c0!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIC35-3GQA%7CCgsIoJHAuQYQ-OafVQ%7C?hl=en-US",
"details": {
"service": 5,
"meal_type": "Dinner",
"food": 5,
"atmosphere": 5
},
"response": {
"date": "2 weeks ago",
"snippet": "We’re thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying our new Winter Harvest menu, especially the Lychee Tom Kha Soup! Our talented chef, Amita, put a unique twist on the traditional recipe by adding lychee to enhance the flavor. We hope you continue to enjoy our culinary creations!"
}
},
...
]
Google Maps Directions
The Google Maps Directions API provides detailed directions and route planning for various modes of transportation, including driving, walking, cycling, flight, and transit.
Response:
{
...
"directions": [
{
"travel_mode": "Driving",
"via": "I-40 E",
"distance": 2809577,
"duration": 94335,
"typical_duration_range": "25–30 hr",
"formatted_distance": "1,746 miles",
"formatted_duration": "26 hr",
"extensions": [
"Fastest route now, avoids road closures on I-78 E",
"This route has tolls."
],
"trips": [
{
"travel_mode": "Driving",
"title": "Get on I-35 N from W Koenig Ln and N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd",
"distance": 4493,
"duration": 450,
"formatted_distance": "2.8 mi",
"formatted_duration": "8 min",
"details": [
{
"title": "Head south toward Houston St",
"action": "straight",
"distance": 125,
"duration": 31,
"formatted_distance": "410 ft",
"formatted_duration": "31 sec"
},
{
"title": "Turn left onto Houston St",
"action": "turn-left",
"distance": 116,
"duration": 34,
"formatted_distance": "381 ft",
"formatted_duration": "34 sec"
},
{
"title": "Turn left onto N Lamar Blvd",
"action": "turn-left",
"distance": 268,
"duration": 39,
"formatted_distance": "0.2 mi",
"formatted_duration": "39 sec",
"geo_photo": "https://streetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com/v1/thumbnail?panoid=jXvvI-TbFUQHZkeHaLXDRg&cb_client=unknown_client.gws.gps&w=203&h=100&yaw=293.9559&pitch=0&thumbfov=100",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 30.32326969731831,
"longitude": -97.72821741917987
},
"extensions": [
"Pass by McDonald's (on the left)"
]
},
{
"title": "Turn right onto W Koenig Ln",
"action": "turn-right",
"distance": 1283,
"duration": 123,
"formatted_distance": "0.8 mi",
"formatted_duration": "2 min",
"geo_photo": "https://streetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com/v1/thumbnail?panoid=q0eCUsRhky9YS9soMApzLg&cb_client=unknown_client.gws.gps&w=203&h=100&yaw=49.271843&pitch=0&thumbfov=100",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 30.325155203003934,
"longitude": -97.72683580997007
}
},
{
"title": "Slight right onto the Route 35 N / Airport Blvd ramp",
"action": "merge",
"distance": 116,
"duration": 8,
"formatted_distance": "381 ft",
"formatted_duration": "8 sec",
"geo_photo": "https://streetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com/v1/thumbnail?panoid=YINuHMpIjE0O9-KtsM3D3Q&cb_client=unknown_client.gws.gps&w=203&h=100&yaw=96.01945&pitch=0&thumbfov=100",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 30.32053069052188,
"longitude": -97.71573345372207
}
},
{
"title": "Continue onto E Koenig Ln",
"action": "straight",
"distance": 699,
"duration": 94,
"formatted_distance": "0.4 mi",
"formatted_duration": "2 min",
"geo_photo": "https://streetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com/v1/thumbnail?panoid=H4ylbCeALyUrFulI1H7G3g&cb_client=unknown_client.gws.gps&w=203&h=100&yaw=285.91806&pitch=0&thumbfov=100",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 30.320036733032246,
"longitude": -97.71463860122836
},
"extensions": [
"Pass by IHOP (on the right in 0.3 mi)"
]
},
{
"title": "Continue onto U.S. 290 Frontage Rd",
"action": "straight",
"distance": 114,
"duration": 21,
"formatted_distance": "374 ft",
"formatted_duration": "21 sec",
"geo_photo": "https://streetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com/v1/thumbnail?panoid=HHhkwZo0ODSPVoffJFfvJQ&cb_client=unknown_client.gws.gps&w=203&h=100&yaw=254.28653&pitch=0&thumbfov=100",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 30.32137632505043,
"longitude": -97.70767300795174
}
},
{
"title": "Turn left onto N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd",
"action": "turn-left",
"distance": 761,
"duration": 58,
"formatted_distance": "0.5 mi",
"formatted_duration": "58 sec",
"geo_photo": "https://streetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com/v1/thumbnail?panoid=N-Von4scMbAMMYRrx27yHg&cb_client=unknown_client.gws.gps&w=203&h=100&yaw=43.175396&pitch=0&thumbfov=100",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 30.321654743233218,
"longitude": -97.70658035218284
}
},
{
"title": "Use the left lane to turn slightly left onto the ramp to I-35 N",
"action": "merge",
"distance": 749,
"duration": 32,
"formatted_distance": "0.5 mi",
"formatted_duration": "32 sec",
"geo_photo": "https://streetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com/v1/thumbnail?panoid=Y3HO1il_PKzcDl1zBGIflA&cb_client=unknown_client.gws.gps&w=203&h=100&yaw=191.40303&pitch=0&thumbfov=100",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 30.32832188482299,
"longitude": -97.7054520076327
}
},
{
"title": "Slight left to merge onto I-35 N toward Waco",
"action": "merge",
"distance": 262,
"duration": 10,
"formatted_distance": "0.2 mi",
"formatted_duration": "10 sec",
"geo_photo": "https://streetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com/v1/thumbnail?panoid=CNO1wDbsiYLg4dQ7QLw3jw&cb_client=unknown_client.gws.gps&w=203&h=100&yaw=210.22493&pitch=0&thumbfov=100",
"gps_coordinates": {
"latitude": 30.334541100566735,
"longitude": -97.70263934396088
}
}
]
},
...
]
},
...
],
...
}
Conclusion
Google Maps offers a comprehensive resource that can help with local business insights and general research. We hope this article provides you with an understanding of the variety of data you can leverage in your applications.