What is the purpose of using the Google Maps API in PHP?

The purpose of using the Google Maps API in PHP is to integrate interactive maps and location-based services into web applications. This allows developers to display maps, add markers, calculate routes, and perform geocoding tasks using Google's mapping technology.

<?php

// Initialize Google Maps API key
$api_key = 'YOUR_API_KEY';

// Create a map instance
$map = new GoogleMapsAPI($api_key);

// Add a marker to the map
$map->addMarker('New York, NY');

// Display the map on the webpage
echo $map->display();

?>