The Google Maps Platform is a set of APIs and SDKs that allows developers to embed Google Maps into mobile apps and web pages, or to retrieve data from Google Maps.

Google owns both mapping apps as they acquired Waze in 2013 but kept it as a separate app with separate developers that focused on different features. While both apps provide the same basic functionality and utility, significant differences may appeal to you based on how you use a mapping app.

The "Google Maps Platform Transition Account" was created to help certain customers transition to our new pay-as-you-go pricing plan. This transition account enabled Google to provide these customers with a one-time credit, so that they could continue using Google Maps Platform up to the limit of the $200 free tier.

By providing access to detailed maps, real-time traffic information, and the ability to integrate location-based data, businesses can offer better customer experiences, improve operational efficiency, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior.