Is any key needed for publishing a Phonegap app using Google Maps apis?

Question

I'm studying the viability of using Google Maps APIs into a Phonegap App, specifically Directions, and I made a lot of examples without using any app key. This was a surprise as some time ago I used GMaps API into a native Android app and it needed at least a debug key.

I need to know if when deploying a app like that to Play Store, it would be needed to use some key.

Answer 1

The Android Maps API (MapView) does require an API Key. The Google Maps JS API PhoneGap is likely using doesn't currently require an API key, but using one is encouraged and suggested so you can track usage in the API Console to see how frequently your maps are getting used.