google-mapsgoogle-geocoding-api

Google Geocoding stopped to work for Crimea, Ukraine

I've discovered very strange issue. Geocoding API suddenly stopped to work for Crimea coordinates. Example: Simferopol city:

http://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?language=en&latlng=44.957844%2C34.104996&sensor=false

But it works for any other place in Ukraine and Russia. Example: Kiev, Ukraine

http://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?language=en&latlng=50.463405%2C30.481567&sensor=false

Recently the API worked properly. Please tell, is it the Google restriction due to political events in Ukraine? Should the service work again, and when? Our application critically depends on user's geocoded location, and this issue blocks the workflow.

Solution

  • Yes, it's a restriction due to political events. I got this answer from Google Support:

    Since Crimea currently is a disputed territory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_territorial_disputes), Geocoder results will currently not return results for reverse geocoding.