Google Maps Images API view helper method for Rails

google_maps_images_helper.rb

def map_image(lat, lng, options = {})
  options[:zoom]        ||= '14'
  options[:dimensions]  ||= '125x125'
  options[:sensor]      ||= false
  options[:scale]       ||= '1' # Pixel density, '2' for Retina.
  options[:marker_size] ||= 'small'
  options[:alt]         ||= ''

  url = "http://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=#{options[:dimensions]}&zoom=#{options[:zoom]}&sensor=#{options[:sensor]}&markers=size:#{options[:marker_size]}|#{lat},#{lng}"

  # This might be necessary to make it work.
  # url = URI.encode( url )

  image_tag url, size: options[:dimensions], alt: options[:alt]
end

Add this to whatever helper and call it in your view like a boss.

https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/staticmaps/index