This service is also available as part of the client-side Maps JavaScript API, or for server-side use with the Java Client, Python Client, Go Client and Node.js Client for Google Maps Services.
Introduction
The Elevation API provides a simple interface to query locations on the earth for elevation data. Additionally, you may request sampled elevation data along paths, allowing you to calculate elevation changes along routes. With the Elevation API, you can develop hiking and biking applications, positioning applications, or low resolution surveying applications.
Elevation data is available for all locations on the surface of the earth, including depth locations on the ocean floor (which return negative values). In those cases where Google does not possess exact elevation measurements at the precise location you request, the service interpolates and returns an averaged value using the four nearest locations. Elevation values are expressed relative to local mean sea level (LMSL).
You access the Elevation API through an HTTP interface. Users of the
Maps JavaScript API may also access this API directly by using the
ElevationService() object. (See
Elevation Service for more information.)
Before you begin
This document is intended for website and mobile developers who want to use elevation data within maps provided by one of the Google Maps Platform APIs. It provides an introduction to using the API and reference material on the available parameters.
Before you start developing with the Elevation API, review the authentication requirements (you need an API key) and the API usage and billing information (you need to enable billing on your project).