Discover local businesses
Define the business category and location you want to research. For a focused pilot, start with one city and one search instead of a broad nationwide request.
Google Maps Scraper API
Turn Google Maps searches into structured business data. Explore Apify’s Google Maps Scraper inputs, preview the output format, and see how local business research can fit into an Agent workflow.
Apify Actor API
POST
https://api.apify.com/v2/actors/compass~crawler-google-places/runsThis is Apify’s provider endpoint. Running it requires an Apify account and API token; the request starts an Actor run. No API key is needed for the preview on this page.
From a local search to structured results
Start with a business type and a location. Edit the request below to see the input format; the separate result preview shows a fictional dataset, not a live search.
Request body JSON
{
"searchStringsArray": [
"coffee shops"
],
"locationQuery": "Austin, USA",
"maxCrawledPlacesPerSearch": 20,
"language": "en"
}Example output
Fictional businesses and values, shown only to explain the format. This dataset stays the same when you edit the request above. Map positions are illustrative.
1Juniper Coffee2Northside Roasters3Fieldwork Café
| Business | Category | Rating (reviews) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Juniper Coffee | Coffee shop | 4.7 (128) | juniper-coffee.example |
| 2Northside Roasters | Coffee roaster | 4.5 (86) | northside-roasters.example |
| 3Fieldwork Café | Cafe | 4.8 (204) | fieldwork-cafe.example |
What you can build with business data
Build a useful business record
Organize listing details such as name, address, website, category and rating. Retain the source link when you move records into a research sheet.
Prepare data for your workflow
Choose a small field set for your table, then deduplicate and review it before export. A well-defined schema makes later filtering and matching easier.
Give an Agent clearer context
Provide reviewed records alongside your research question. Ask for a shortlist or a market summary with the underlying evidence, rather than unsupported recommendations.
Google Maps Scraper output fields
Use these fields to design your downstream table or Agent input. Availability depends on the listing and run settings. Keep missing values empty rather than inferring a phone number, website or rating.
| Field | Type | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
title | string | The business name displayed on the listing. |
categoryName | string | Listing category; useful for reviewing whether a record fits your search. |
address | string | Business address for local research and territory grouping. |
website | string / missing | A listed website, when available. Preserve missing values for review. |
totalScore | number / missing | Listing rating; consider it alongside review count and your selection criteria. |
reviewsCount | number / missing | Number of reviews associated with the listing. |
location | object | Latitude and longitude for geographic grouping, when available. |
placeId · url | strings | Identifiers and the source URL for matching records and checking the original listing. |
Put the results to work
Local lead research
Create a reviewable list for a defined territory and business type. Decide which fields matter before collecting data, remove duplicates, and check that each candidate fits your offer. Finding a listing does not establish a qualified lead or permission to contact it.
Market and competitor research
Compare a consistent set of categories and locations. Use the resulting sheet to examine business mix, website availability and visible listing information. Record the search scope and collection date so another researcher can interpret the limits of the sample.
CRM preparation
Map each output field to the destination before import. Keep source identifiers, separate unreviewed records from approved ones, and flag incomplete entries. Have an Agent help with categorization or summaries while you retain control of matching and import decisions.
Google Maps Scraper API FAQs
What is the Google Maps Scraper API?
It is a way to call Apify’s Compass Google Maps Scraper Actor programmatically. The Actor accepts search inputs and produces structured listing data. This page documents that provider reference and illustrates how its records can support a workflow.
Which inputs should I start with?
Use a search phrase, a location and a requested maximum per search. The editable example generates searchStringsArray, locationQuery, maxCrawledPlacesPerSearch and language. Refer to the official input schema before adding filters or advanced options.
Can I export Google Maps data to CSV or JSON?
Apify provides dataset exports, including CSV, Excel and JSON. For a downstream workflow, choose the format that preserves the fields you need. This page shows a fictional table and JSON preview; it does not create or download an Apify dataset.
Does it include reviews, images or contact enrichment?
The Actor offers additional options beyond the core listing fields. Availability and charges can differ by option, and a listing may not contain every field. Review the current Actor documentation and pricing before enabling enrichment or increasing scope.
Is this the official Google Maps Places API?
The reference here is an Apify Actor, not Google’s official Places API. These are distinct services with different interfaces and terms. Choose the service that fits your application, then check its current requirements before production use.
Does this page scrape Google Maps when I change the inputs?
No. Input changes update the request JSON only. The businesses, ratings and map shown here are fixed fictional examples. A real run requires the provider account, credentials and an integration; the SpringBrand action opens the existing marketplace.
Find Google Maps in SpringBrand
Open the API marketplace to explore the service. This reference page does not run the Actor or establish a live connection.