How to Switch From Google Maps API to HERE API (Complete 2026 Migration Guide)

Last updated: March 2026

Many developers build applications using the Google Maps API for maps, geocoding, and routing. However, as platforms grow, companies often begin looking for alternatives.
Increasing usage costs, complex pricing tiers, and the need for advanced routing capabilities have led many organizations to evaluate HERE Technologies as a Google Maps API alternative.
In this guide, we explain how to migrate from Google Maps APIs to HERE APIs, including architecture considerations, API equivalents, pricing differences, and practical migration steps.

Why Developers Look for a Google Maps API Alternative

Several factors are driving organizations to evaluate alternatives to Google Maps.

Rising API Costs

Google Maps uses a pay-per-request model. As applications scale, high volumes of:

• geocoding

• routing requests

• distance matrix queries

• map loads

can significantly increase costs.

Complex Pricing Tiers

Google pricing varies across multiple APIs, which can make forecasting usage costs difficult for growing platforms.

Logistics & Fleet Optimization Needs

Companies building applications for logistics or mobility often require more advanced routing features such as:

• truck routing

• EV routing

• route optimization

• traffic-aware navigation

These are areas where HERE provides strong capabilities.

More Predictable Enterprise Pricing

Many companies prefer platforms that offer:

• enterprise agreements

• predictable pricing

• custom data usage models

Google Maps API vs HERE API

Most applications can migrate with limited architectural changes, although request formats will differ.

Migration Architecture

When switching providers, the main architecture change typically occurs at the API integration layer.

Before Migration (Google)

Application
→ Google Maps JavaScript SDK
→ Google APIs (Directions, Geocoding, Places)

After Migration (HERE)

Application
→ HERE Maps JavaScript SDK
→ HERE APIs (Routing, Geocoding & Search, Matrix Routing)

Most migrations involve updating:

• SDK initialization

• API endpoints

• authentication

• response parsing

Step 1: Audit Your Current Google Maps API Usage

Start by identifying which Google APIs your application currently uses.

Typical implementations include:

• Maps JavaScript API

• Directions API

• Geocoding API

• Distance Matrix API

• Places API

Create an inventory of:

• endpoints used

• request volume

• peak usage

• dependencies

This helps determine which HERE APIs need to replace them.

Step 2: Replace the Maps JavaScript SDK

Front-end maps are typically rendered using the Google Maps JavaScript SDK.

You can replace it with the HERE Maps API for JavaScript, which provides:

• interactive vector maps

• map layers

• markers and clustering

• routing visualization

• customizable map styles

The overall structure remains similar, which makes migration relatively straightforward.

Step 3: Replace Routing and Geocoding APIs

Next, replace backend API calls.

Google Directions API

https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/directions/json

https://router.hereapi.com/v8/routes

https://router.hereapi.com/v8/routes
?transportMode=car
&origin=52.5200,13.4050
&destination=52.5150,13.3777
&return=summary
&apikey=YOUR_API_KEY

• EV route planning

• truck restrictions

• real-time traffic

• multi-stop route optimization

Step 4: Test the Migration

After replacing APIs, testing is critical.

Verify:

• response structures

• coordinate formats

• rate limits

• performance

• routing results

Many teams temporarily run both APIs in parallel during testing.

Migration Checklist

Use this checklist to guide the migration process.

✔ Audit Google API usage
✔ Identify HERE API equivalents
✔ Create a HERE developer account
✔ Generate API keys
✔ Replace front-end map SDK
✔ Update backend API calls
✔ Test routing and geocoding results
✔ Monitor usage and performance

Google Maps API Pricing vs HERE Pricing

Pricing is often a key factor when evaluating alternatives.

Google Maps uses a per-API request pricing model, where different services have different rates.

As usage grows, costs can increase significantly.

HERE offers:

• flexible pricing tiers

• enterprise licensing

• volume-based pricing

• specialized packages for mobility and logistics platforms

For many high-volume applications, this can provide more predictable long-term costs.

Developer Tips for a Smooth Migration

Create an API abstraction layer

This allows you to swap mapping providers without changing your application logic.

Cache frequently used results

Geocoding and routing responses can often be cached to reduce API usage.

Compare results during testing

Different providers may return slightly different coordinates or routes.

Explore advanced routing features

HERE includes specialized routing profiles for:

• trucks

• electric vehicles

• fleet optimization

These can significantly improve logistics applications.

When Should You Consider Switching from Google Maps?

A migration is worth evaluating if your platform:

• generates high volumes of map or routing requests

• supports delivery or fleet operations

• needs advanced routing capabilities

• requires predictable mapping costs

For many organizations, the transition can be completed gradually without major architectural changes.

Need Help Migrating from Google Maps APIs?

Migrating mapping platforms can be complex, but the process is often easier than expected with the right planning.

Local Eyes helps companies:

• migrate from Google Maps APIs to HERE

• implement HERE APIs in new applications

• optimize routing and geocoding workflows

• reduce mapping costs

If you’re exploring alternatives to Google Maps, our team can help you design and implement a smooth migration strategy.

Explore all your options

Don’t simply stick with the Google Maps API because that’s what your developers have always used. It may be costing your team more than is necessary and may not offer the functionality your location-aware solutions need.

Get in touch with Local Eyes to find out how easy it is to switch to the HERE Maps API and the many benefits you could unlock.

Local Eyes B.V. is a leading reseller and integrator of geospatial technologies and data that has been contributing to its client’s success for the past 10 years by optimizing their decision-making and logistic processes. If you’re interested in learning more about how Local Eyes can provide Point-of-Interest data, get in touch today.  

FAQ: Switching from Google Maps API

Q: Is HERE a good alternative to Google Maps API?

A: Yes. HERE provides APIs for mapping, routing, geocoding, and location search similar to Google Maps. Many companies choose HERE for logistics applications, fleet management, and scalable routing services.

Q: Is it difficult to migrate from Google Maps API?

A: Most migrations are straightforward. The main changes involve replacing API endpoints, updating SDK initialization, and adapting to slightly different response structures.

Q: Why do companies switch from Google Maps APIs?

A: Common reasons include:

• rising API costs

• complex pricing tiers

• need for advanced routing

• logistics or fleet optimization requirements

Q: Does HERE provide a free tier?

A: Yes. HERE offers a free developer tier that allows developers to build and test applications before scaling to production usage.