Google Maps

Geocode address

Convert a street address or place name into latitude/longitude coordinates and a normalized formatted address. Pass `address` for forward geocoding ('1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy' to coordinates), or pass `lat` and `lng` for reverse geocoding (coordinates to the nearest street address). Returns the best match plus alternates. Use this to resolve a fuzzy location before routing or searching.

Search places

Search for places by free-text query: a business name, a category plus a location ('coffee near Union Square'), or a landmark. Returns up to 8 ranked places with name, address, coordinates, rating, price level, and whether each is open now. Each result includes a `place_id` you can pass to `get_place_details` for hours, phone, and website, or to `get_directions` as a destination.

Get place details

Get rich detail for a specific place by its `place_id` (obtained from `search_places` or `geocode_address`). Returns name, full address, phone, website, rating and review count, price level, business status, coordinates, and the weekly opening-hours schedule. Use after a search when the user wants hours, a phone number, or a link for one specific place.

Get directions

Get a route between an origin and a destination, with total distance, estimated travel time, and turn-by-turn steps. `origin` and `destination` can each be an address, a place name, a 'lat,lng' string, or a `place_id:...` reference. Set `mode` to driving (default), walking, bicycling, or transit. Set `units` to 'metric' or 'imperial' to match the user's preferred units; when omitted, distances come back in the destination region's default. Use for 'how far' and 'how long to get there' questions.