Should my web app call the Maps web services directly via HTTP or use the service classes provided in JavaScript API?

RECOMMENDED

The Google Maps JavaScript API has built-in service classes for making calls to web services:

• Directions
• Distance Matrix
• Elevation
• Geocoding
• Places
• Street View

Make your client-side web service calls using these classes.

NOT RECOMMENDED

Do not make direct HTTP requests to the web services client-side from a browser. API Key restrictions do not support this scenario.

Any web service requests not provided as JavaScript API service classes should be sent from your server-side code, to prevent unauthorized use.