Is it OK to embed Google Maps on commercial website?

I'd like to embed Google Maps into a business website to help people find us, is this allowed?

 

I think the reason they made them embeddable was so that anyone could use them.

 

i have in the past and have had no problems

 

I see it all the time, so I assume it's ok.

 

yes, you just need to go to the google site, get an API code for your site and follow thier instructions

http://www.google.com/apis/maps/

 

Why do I need a API key when I use the code supplied when you click "link" in Google Maps?

 

yes, it's ok,
You can add another layer to the map with your link.

 

The reason for this thread is because I read the terms of use that are clickable from the embedded map and it said this:

"You may not use the imagery in any commercial or business environment or for any commercial or business purposes for yourself or any third parties."

Can someone explain that?

 

That excerpt appears under Photographic Imagery, so I assume it refers to the satellite images which are licensed by Google from other parties.

As for using maps on commercial sites, taken from the URL above:

"For business users, Google Maps is made available for your internal use only and may not be commercially redistributed, except that map data may be accessed and displayed by using the Google Maps API pursuant to the API terms and conditions."

I've never had a problem showing Google Maps on commercial sites.

 

But doesn't that mean I can't use the embed feature that is available for everyone on the site? Instead I am required to get an API key and do it that way?