How To Obtain and Use an Access Key For The Distance Matrix API

By Gary Davis

Each user who needs to obtain geo-information, search for a location on a map, calculate distances between objects, etc., searches for data using various IT services. Among such services, the Distance Matrix API service occupies a worthy place.

The service responds promptly and efficiently to user requests. But in order to use its services more productively and receive all the necessary and relevant information, the user must have a special personal identifier, or in other words – The Distance Matrix API key.

What is an identifier for?

The personal identifier or access key mentioned above is sometimes referred to as a token. In fact, this is a digital certificate provided to the user by the service. This digital certificate confirms the guaranteed fulfillment of all obligations of the service to the user. In turn, the access key allows the service to identify the user and the level of their access to certain products. Thus, the probability of unauthorized intervention in the operation of the service is reduced to zero.

The kind of identifier and its role in requests to the Distance Matrix API

So what is an API access key (API key), and what is its role in addition to user identification?

The API key is a combination of numbers and letters written in Latin, which are formed into a separate line.

First of all, the API key securely links the user to their Distance Matrix API account and to any previous requests and projects. And in turn, this allows the service to accumulate statistical information regarding all user requests to the service. The results of this process are convenient for use by both the service and users.

Guided by the mentioned statistical information, Distance Matrix API easily generates invoices to pay for the provided products. In turn, the user can also see statistical information, which means not only managing current costs but planning future costs for Distance Matrix API products.

In more detail, all issues related to the cost of products, payment methods, etc., are reflected in the relevant sections of the Distance Matrix API documentation.

How to get an identifier?

At first, glance, obtaining the API key is a complex procedure requiring users to have special knowledge. However, this process is simple and understandable. The user must go to the corresponding page of the Distance Matrix API site and form a request to obtain the API key.

Based on the results of processing the request, the service will send an email in which the user will be provided with a unique identifier or API key and the procedure for using this identifier. In addition, the service will add additional information to the message, which is helpful to the user. These are reference pointers to various instructions and relevant paragraphs and a list of possibilities and limitations for the user. And the Distance Matrix API must provide the option of generating a request for obtaining several API keys in cases where users have such a need.

At the same time, users can conduct targeted correspondence with Distance Matrix API managers to discuss identification issues, such as how to change or delete the API key, how to introduce certain restrictions, etc.

Is an identifier always needed?

The API key is necessary for any user every time he forms one or another request to the Distance Matrix API. For the introduction of the API key, there is a place in the line of each request.

However, there are cases when the user needs to use the Distance Matrix API service, but the API key has not been formed yet. Does this mean that the user is deprived of the opportunity to receive an answer to their request? Of course not. In such cases, users can use the so-called demo access to the service. Permission to use demo access is valid for seven days. At the end of this period, the user has the opportunity to activate a permanent identifier or continue to use its free counterpart.

However, users must remember that continuing to use the free API key will face certain restrictions. These restrictions relate to the limit on the number of requests for a certain period of time and the duration of processing these requests.

Using a paid API key, the user does not face such restrictions but can set their own limits, which he can discuss in correspondence with the manager on the site.