Google Maps Elevation API Quotas Litchi Utilities Logo

Litchi Mission in Google Earth Pro

Google Elevation API

Google provides a way to obtain elevation data for the entire world. The elevation data may be obtained through the use of an API (Application Programing Interface) call. In order to use this Google service, one must have a Google account and register to use an API key for the elevation service. While a credit card must be used to obtain access to a Google service like this, each user will receive a pre-defined number of free queries per month before one is charged. It is also possible to configure a quota so that the number of API queries never goes over this free limit. [Details]

Virtual Litchi Mission and Google Earth Pro

Virtual Litchi Mission (VLM) is a software program designed for Litchi users of DJI drones. Litchi's Mission Hub allows users to plan and configure waypoint missions from the comfort of a home computer. VLM extends the capabilities of Litchi's Mission Hub so that a configured mission can be simulated in Google Earth Pro and test-flown before flying with the actual mission.

This ability of VLM to create and simulate a flight path requires the use of the Google Maps Elevation API. The Elevation API is a service that returns elevation data for a location on the earth, or sampled elevation data along paths. If VLM's usage using its built-in API key exceeds a predetermined quota, it will stop working for all users until the end of the current month. To prevent this from happening, one may obtain and provide their own personal Google Elevation API key so that one is not dependent on the shared API key.

Litchi Mission Utilities

Certain Litchi Mission Utilities including "Above-Ground to Google Elevation" and "Litchi Mission to DJI Fly or Pilot 2 Waypoints" may require access to elevation data from Googles Elevation API. These utilities also use a shared Google Elevation API key which is limited to a pre-defined number of "free" calls per month. After the number of free calls per month have exceeded the free limit, these utilities will display an error message referring to the Google API. To prevent this from happening, one may obtain and provide their own personal Google Elevation API key so that one is not dependent on the shared API key. Both VLM and these utilities may use the same API key.

Setting up a Google Elevation API Quota

Use of the Google Maps Elevation API is not entirely free. To use the Google Maps Elevation API, an API key must be obtained. To get this key, a credit card must be provided for any charges incurred. However, limits may be placed on the use of the API key in order to prevent its use from exceeding the free limit (and credit card charges).

While it is unlikely that one's own use of an API key will exceed any usage threshold, it is possible to place a quota on your own API key to ensure its use does not exceed the free threshold. As of March, 2025, the Google Elevation API is considered a "Pro" service and is limited to 5,000 free queries per month. [Details]

5,000 free queries per month translates to roughly 160 queries per day (5,000 / 31 = 161). Therefore, we will set up a quota for 160 queries per day.


Google API Dashboard

Navigating to the API Quota Section

Navigating the Google API dashboard can be less than obvious. Navigate to, then log into, the Google Maps Platform Dashboard. Follow the steps below to navigate to the section where API quotas can be configured.

  1. Select the name you gave to your project. In my case it is the "Litchi Utilities" project.
  2. Select "Maps Elevation API" near the top of the dashboard.
  3. Select "Quotas" from the menu on the left.
  4. Select the three vertical dots to the right of "Requests per day" and then "Edit Quota".

Google Quota Dialog

Configuring the Google API Quota

At this point you should be viewing the "Edit quota" dialog.

  1. Enter "160" in the field where it says "New value".
  2. Make sure [ ] Unlimited is unchecked.
  3. Select "Submit request".

Google Quota History

Viewing the API Usage History

Once a quota is set, you can view the usage history of your API key.

  1. Select the graph/chart icon to the left of the three dots described in Step 4 above, under "Navigating to the API Quota".
  2. This will display a chart showing usage. In my case, the usage is always near the quota limit.

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by Wes Barris