Free maps will stop using Google’s geo-coder.  The geo-coder turns addresses into latitude and longitude coordinates to place on a map.  Google’s geo-coder is very, very good (especially compared to much cheaper alternatives), but Google has eliminated their free license.

The result is maps created by free users will not use be as accurate for locations as subscriber (paid) maps.  An open street map (OSM) solution will be used to convert addresses to coordinates to place pins on a map.

Paid Subscribers will continue to use Google’s geo-coder.  It is highly recommended that all paid subscribers sign in when creating a map in order to use Google’s geo-coder.