FAQ

General questions

How can I add a map to my website?

You can use any of the tools listed below to add a Yandex map to your website:

Can I use the Yandex.Maps API on my website for free?

You can use the Yandex.Maps API free of charge if you meet all the requirements listed in the section Terms of use for the Yandex.Maps API. If you can't meet one or more of the requirements, you will need to purchase the commercial version of the API. To use the API, you need to get a key.

Does the Yandex.Maps API have any restrictions?

The free version of the API has the following restrictions:

• The limit on the total number of requests to the Yandex geocoding, routing, and panorama services is 25,000 requests per day. Keep this limit in mind if you are using the JavaScript API or the Geocoder HTTP API. More information about limits.
• The maximum number of requests to the Places API is 500 requests per day.

If you need to increase the limits, purchase the commercial version of the API.

How can I get a key for the free version of the JavaScript API?

You can get a key for the free version of the JavaScript API through the Developer's Dashboard.

Do I need a key for the free version of the Geocoder HTTP API?

The Geocoder HTTP API is available only when using a key. You can get a key in the Developer's Dashboard.

What is the correct way to specify the key in the code?

• Link for accessing the Geocoder HTTP API:

  https://geocode-maps.yandex.ru/1.x/?lang=<language ID>&apikey=<API key>&<additional parameters> 

Do I need a key for the free version of the Static API?

No. You don't need a key to use the free version of the Static API.

Which browsers are supported by the Yandex.Maps API?

There is a list of supported browsers in the documentation (this list is updated regularly). The full functionality of all JavaScript API features is guaranteed only in the latest versions of the supported browsers.

Note that the commercial version of the JavaScript API does not support Internet Explorer 8.

Can I use the API to get data without showing it on the map?

According to theterms of use for the service, all data received via the API must be shown on the map. This includes information about traffic, routes, user location, and other data.

If you need to use data from the API without displaying it on the map, purchase the commercial version of the Yandex.Maps API.

Can I use the Yandex.Maps API for displaying my own maps?

Yes. You can use the Yandex.Maps API to display your own maps or maps from third-party services.

Examples: creating your own map and displaying a map in the polar azimuth projection.

Can I display Yandex maps via a third-party API?

No. This is not allowed.

Can I store a response from the Geocoder HTTP API?

No. You are not allowed to store the Geocoder HTTP API response (see paragraph 4 of the terms of use). However, you are allowed to cache the response for up to 30 days.

If you need to store geocoding results for some reason, write to us.

Are specific versions of the Yandex.Maps JavaScript API ever deleted?

Yes. We may eventually deprecate an outdated minor version of the JavaScript API. If you were using this version in your project, you will be automatically switched to the newest version of the API. Note that the version update might cause your app to stop working correctly. For this reason, we recommend that you keep track of API updates and switch to newer versions as soon as possible. More information about API versions.

Is the search for businesses available in the JavaScript API?

To enable the search for businesses in the JavaScript API, set the search provider to 'yandex#search'. Open example

You can also use the Places HTTP API. Note that the maximum number of requests to this service is 500 requests per day. If you exceed this limit, access to data will be blocked until the start of the next day. If you need to increase the daily limit, purchase the commercial version of the API.

What types of businesses are included in the Places API?

You can see the available types of businesses in this file (.xlsx format).

Technical questions

How can I use a specific version of the JavaScript API?

To do this, specify the version number in the connection link. For example:

<script src="https://api-maps.yandex.ru/2.1.40/?apikey=<API key>&lang=en_US" type="text/javascript">
</script>

How can I insert a map in a blog if it doesn't allow scripts?

If your blog hosting service does not allow the use of scripts, you won't be able to embed an interactive map via the JavaScript API. However, you can use the Map Widget to embed an interactive map. When you add the Map Widget to the website, the map is placed in a separate iframe.

You can also use a static map image. To get the map image, use the Map Constructor or the Static API.

Can I use the Yandex.Maps API on a website with CSP?

Yes, you can. For more information, read Enabling the API when using CSP in the documentation.

I am using the JavaScript API to show a map on my website, but the map doesn't display. What am I doing wrong?

Can I store the map state in the URL?

Yes, you can. See the example.

How can I add my own map layer to the map?

See the example.

Why did geolocation stop working (or can't show an accurate location) on my website?

Most likely, your service is located in an HTTP domain. Google has prohibited using the browser to detect location on non-HTTPS domains. In this case, the browser console outputs this information: https://sites.google.com/a/chromium.org/dev/Home/chromium-security/deprecating-powerful-features-on-insecure-origins

When I set properties or options for map objects, they aren't applied. What could be the reason for this problem?

It's possible that you are not using the prefixes correctly when setting properties or options. For example, to set properties for a placemark icon, you need to use the 'icon' prefix (iconLayout). But to set properties for a cluster icon, you need to use the 'clusterIcon' prefix (clusterIconLayout). In addition, the correct use of prefixes depends on the level of the property, i.e., whether you are setting it for the object itself, for its collection, or on the map level. For more information, see Using prefixes in option names.

Can I change the appearance of route points?

Yes, you can. Example in the sandbox: Configuring the view of a multiroute.

Why aren't placemarks shown on the map when clustering is used?

You might be adding both a cluster and separate placemarks in this cluster at the same time. You should only add the cluster. For more information, see Clusters.

I want to calculate the area of a polygon/rectangle/circle on the geodesic surface. Is there a special tool for this in the API?

You can use an external module to calculate the geodesic area of shapes: https://github.com/yandex/mapsapi-area. You can use this module along with the API.

The Geocoder returns an empty response or the wrong type of result. What should I do?

Map Constructor

Can I edit a map that was created in the Map Constructor?

Yes, you can. Note that only the person who created the map can edit it.

Can other users see a list of my maps?

The list of maps created in the Map Constructor is not visible to anyone except the person who created them.

Can I collaborate with other users and edit the same map?

The Map Constructor does not currently have a collaboration feature, since each map is linked to the account it was created in. If necessary, you can use a shared account.

Who can see my map?

You are the only person who can see your map until you place the map code on your website and share a public link to it.

When I open a CSV file in Microsoft Excel, I get an encoding error. What should I do?

Encoding problems are related to issues with Microsoft Excel. To view CSV files, we recommend using any other editor.

You can also export map objects in XSLX format. Files in this format will open correctly in Microsoft Excel. More information about exporting map objects.

How can I move a map to a different account?

1. Log in to Yandex, then export the map that you want to move to a different account. We recommend using KML format for the export, because it preserves more properties and data compared to other formats.
2. Log in under the account that you are moving the map to.
3. Import the map.

Commercial version of the Yandex.Maps API

How does the commercial version of the Yandex.Maps API differ from the free version?

The differences are as follows:

Which services are available in the commercial version of the Yandex.Maps API?

The Yandex.Maps API includes multiple separate services and software libraries. For convenience in counting requests, the services are grouped into four packages:

Requests that are sent to the API from different packages are not totaled together, and are priced separately. This means that if you are planning to use the Geocoder API and the Places API, you need to choose a pricing plan for each of the appropriate packages.

How do I know whether I can use the free version of the API or whether I need to purchase the commercial version of the API?

Read the terms of use for the free version, and also review the limits on requests. If your project can't meet one of the requirements (for instance, you are planning to use the Yandex.Maps API in your company's intranet), you should purchase the commercial version of the API.

Which operations incur fees in the commercial version of the JavaScript API?

In the JavaScript API, all operations that send requests to the geocoding, routing, and panorama search services are counted. For example, if you need to add a placemark at some address on the map (so this will use the geocoder), this request will be counted. If you just need to add a placemark at some geographical coordinates, this operation will not be counted. More information about how requests are counted.

How are requests counted when totaling the daily use of the service?

The Yandex.Maps API includes multiple separate services and software libraries. For convenience in counting requests, the services are grouped into four packages:

For the JavaScript API and Geocoder HTTP API and MapKit SDK packages, the total number of requests is calculated using the formula:

The daily limit on requests for each service depends on the selected pricing plan. Requests that are sent to the API from different packages are not totaled together, and are priced separately. This means that if you are planning to use the Geocoder API and the Places API, you need to choose a pricing plan for each of the appropriate packages.

I want to purchase the commercial version of the Yandex.Maps API. What should I do?

I am using the same key for different services. Are my requests to these services added together, or totaled separately?

The Yandex.Maps API services are grouped into four packages:

Requests that are sent to the services from different packages are not totaled together, and are priced separately. For example, if you are using the same key for accessing the Geocoder and the Places API, the requests will still be totaled separately according to the pricing plans you selected for each of these two packages.

What will happen if I exceed the purchased amount?

At the end of the month, you will receive a bill for excess usage. The cost for each 1,000 requests over the limit depends on the selected pricing plan. For more information, see Pricing and terms of use.

Where can I view the pricing information and overcharges?

Can I get a trial key to the commercial version of the JavaScript API?

The commercial version of the JavaScript API includes the same functionality as the free version. To test the API features, use the free version.

If you need to test the JavaScript API outside of the terms of use (for instance, in a closed system), write to us. In your email, tell us what project you need the key for and what the time period is for testing. Also specify the expected number of requests to the geocoding, routing, and panorama services. A manager will contact you after we handle your request.

Can I get a trial key to the commercial version of the Places API?

You can try out the features of the Places API in the free version. To get a key for the free version, go to the Developer's Dashboard and select “Get key”. Fill in the required fields and leave “I need commercial version” empty. After you submit the application, a key is generated. It is activated automatically when you receive it, so you can begin using it in your project right away. To switch to the commercial version of the API later, write to us. Make sure your email includes the key that you received.

If you need to use a trial key without complying with the restrictions (for instance, you need to test it in a closed system), write to us. In your email, describe your project and tell us how long you need to use the trial key. Also specify the expected number of requests to the API. A manager will contact you after we handle your request.

The pricing plans only show the price per year. Is there an option for paying by the month?

The only purchasing option is a yearly plan.

Where can I monitor request statistics? How often are statistics updated?

To view request statistics:

The statistics show both the total number of API requests and the number of requests to each separate service (such as the Geocoder, the Router, and the panoramas). There is a one-hour delay in updating the statistics.

Can I transfer a key to a different account (for instance, if my employee leaves)?

No. You can't transfer a key to a different account. We recommend obtaining keys for a shared corporate account.

I forgot the password to the account that the key is registered to. What should I do?

Follow the instructions for password recovery.

Why doesn't the commercial version support Satellite and Hybrid layers? The free version has them.

The satellite images are subject to licensing restrictions by the data providers. This data can't be used in commercial third-party products. For this reason, we cannot sell this data or access to it. As a result, the Satellite and Hybrid layers are only available in the free version of the API in accordance with the appropriate licensing restrictions.

I am using the free version of the Yandex.Maps API, but my website/app is experiencing an increase in traffic. How can I monitor the number of API requests so that I know when to switch to the commercial version of the API?

API request statistics are available in the Developer's Dashboard. Go to the “Keys” page, select the key you need, and click Show on the right side of the page.

My project is not going to use the geocoder, router, or panorama search services. How much will the license cost for just the JavaScript API?

In this case, the price of the license for the JavaScript API is 120,000 rubles per year.

I have a question that isn't listed.

If you didn't find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us. To do this, go to the Technical support section and select the appropriate category related to your message.