The Google Maps API, 2nd Edition 2006 English PDF The Google Maps API, version 2 is a great way to dip your toe into the world of web mapping. You don�t have to worry about finding and managing your own data, installing and configuring your own server, or creating your own cross-browser AJAX mapping framework from scratch. It�s a programmer�s dream�with a little bit of JavaScript and a few latitude/ longitude points, you are off to the races.