RE: My AI agent wanted to hack Google Maps in order to save monthly cost. Didn't know that using Google Maps API is that expensive. Using OpenFreeMap/OpenStreetMap instead.

Many developers get caught off guard by Google Maps' pricing once they scale past basic static embeds. Switching to open-source tools like MapLibre GL JS, OpenStreetMap, and Photon is a smart, battle-tested stack for a custom location picker. It gives you complete control over your UI without unpredictable API bills, and your AI agent's static tile-stitching workaround was a classic case of creative over-engineering!