When using any Google Maps scraper tool, one of the most frustrating challenges is getting accurate, targeted results.
While Google Maps data extraction has become essential for lead generation and business intelligence, many users struggle with irrelevant results that don't match their search criteria. If you've ever wondered "Can Google Maps be scraped effectively?" or searched for the best Google Maps scraper, this guide will show you exactly how to solve the main category filtering problem that plagues most tools.
Why Most Google Maps Scrapers Return Inaccurate Results
If you are used to using Google Maps scraper tools, you couldn't have missed this common issue. Let's assume you make a Google Maps search and you type "restaurants near New York City." Based on this geographic location, you have now accessed a list of restaurants. But when you take a closer look, it seems like there is something wrong.
Each element from your list is classified based on a category. We can see that the first element is considered as a Creole restaurant, that the second one is considered as a nursery restaurant, and that the third one as an Italian restaurant. So far so good - all of them are restaurants anyway.
But what about if we scroll down a little bit more and we select the fourth one? We can see that it's considered as a cocktail bar. Is a cocktail bar the same thing as a restaurant? Of course not! But in that case, why did Google Maps show us this result, and can we do something to keep our search as we originally expected?
Understanding Google Maps Category System for Data Scraping
When you are looking for restaurants in New York City, you don't tell Google Maps "hey, can you show me elements with a category which is equal to restaurants." No, what Google Maps scraping shows you instead are elements with one of their categories which is equal to restaurants. It's not the same thing.
Indeed, Google Maps divides companies into their main type and their subtypes, and businesses can have up to 10 subtypes. Let's come back to the cocktail bar we have been talking about. This cocktail bar truly is a restaurant - there is no mistake. Nevertheless, it implies that one of its subtypes is a restaurant. That can be no doubt that it remains a cocktail bar first and foremost.
This was a random example. However, this lack of accuracy may sometimes be an issue. In the example you can see on your screen, we scraped a bakery instead of a restaurant. Why not? It's not that different. But it can also be a shopping mall, a bowling alley, a nice skating ring, or even a gun shop. They are pretty different from one another.
This is exactly why most free Google Maps scraper tools fail to deliver the precision businesses need for effective lead generation.
The Solution: Scrap.io's Advanced Google Maps Extractor
It raises the question: how to limit the Google Maps results to the main category without taking all the subtypes into account? We created a powerful Google Maps scraper tool to solve this problem: Scrap.io.
If you want to have a look, you can click the link in the description or you simply type scrap.io in your search bar. We promise you can get unlimited leads from Google Maps, and you can find a quick demo below. This Google Maps data extractor stands out from other scraper tools because of its precision in filtering results.
Unlike other Google Maps scraper extension options or basic scraping tools, Scrap.io has been specifically designed to address the accuracy problem that frustrates marketers and sales teams worldwide.
Why Scrap.io Outperforms Other Google Maps Scraper Tools
Scrap.io is a powerful solution that has indexed over 200 million establishments and can handle 5,000 queries per minute. What makes it unique is that it's the only solution that allows you to extract all Google Maps listings for an entire country in just two clicks, without any coding required.
As detailed in our complete Google Maps scraping guide, traditional methods often fall short when it comes to precision filtering.
Getting Started with Advanced Filtering
The process is fast and easy. We just need to mention two things: the activity (meaning the category we want to target - we can keep things to restaurant) then we select a city. In my case, I only have access to French cities because I'm currently located in France. But of course, once I click on login, once I create my account by clicking on sign up, I will then have access to all the cities from tens of different countries.
I've created my account, so I can click on my dashboard now and I end up with that page. This is pretty much the same thing as we have seen previously, even though there are a little more details. We have the activity, the country, but we can also target our leads depending on the city, depending on the level 2 division which represents the county (but it obviously depends on which country we picked up), then there is a level 1 division which are the states in our case.
Advanced Filtering Options
What sets Scrap.io apart from other Google Maps scraper tools is its comprehensive filtering system. You can filter by:
- Digital presence: Website, phone, email availability
- Business metrics: Reviews count, ratings, price range
- Verification status: Google Maps claimed listings
- Social media presence: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn profiles
For businesses looking to extract email addresses from Google Maps, these filters become even more valuable as they ensure you're only targeting businesses that actually have the contact information you need.
Let's type New York for the sake of the example. I click on search and I will have around 6,000 results. But as we have said earlier, these examples are not accurate yet because it means we have access to elements with one of the categories which is equal to restaurant, so the subtypes are included.
How to Use the "Main Activity Only" Filter in Your Google Maps Scraper
If we want not to select them, we can filter our data even more. As you can notice, we have lots of different filters, but the one we are mostly interested in is the first one. We can choose whether we want to select the main activity only or not.
If I click on "yes" and if I click on "filter," I will no longer have 6,000 results. I will end up with around 2,000 results instead. But all these data results are much more targeted - they are much more accurate.
This feature alone makes Scrap.io superior to many Google Maps scraper extension alternatives that don't offer this level of precision.
Step-by-Step Filtering Process
Once I'm sure I have everything I need, I can click and export. If I click on "Advanced options," I have an overview of all the columns I'm about to retrieve, and I can give a name to my export. So let's say "New York restaurant main type." I click on export.
All the exports we have done so far are located within the "My Exports" tab, and let's take a look at the sample I've just done. So you can download your results through CSV or Excel file, and here is your final results. As you can notice, all the main types are equal to restaurant, so everything sounds good.
Google Maps Scraper Tool Comparison: Free vs Paid Options
When comparing Google Maps scraper free options with professional tools like Scrap.io, the difference in accuracy becomes immediately apparent. While free tools might extract basic business information, they rarely offer the sophisticated filtering capabilities needed for targeted lead generation.
As we've covered in our comparison with OutScraper, most alternatives lack the "Main Activity Only" filter that ensures data precision.
Why Chrome Extensions Fall Short
Many businesses turn to Google Maps scraper extension options for Chrome, but these tools typically have limitations:
- No advanced filtering capabilities
- Limited data export options
- Browser-dependent functionality
- Slower processing speeds
For a comprehensive comparison of Chrome extension options, check out our complete guide to Google Maps scraper Chrome extensions.
Best Practices for Accurate Google Maps Data Extraction
Beyond using the right Google Maps scraper tool, there are several best practices to ensure you get the most accurate data:
1. Always Use Category Filtering
Never rely on basic search results without applying category filters. The "Main Activity Only" option should be your default setting for any targeted campaign.
2. Verify Legal Compliance
Before starting any scraping project, make sure you understand the legal aspects. Our guide on whether it's legal to scrape Google Maps provides essential information.
3. Combine Multiple Filters
Don't rely on category filtering alone. Combine it with other criteria like digital presence, review counts, and verification status for maximum precision.
4. Regular Data Validation
Even with the best filtering, always validate a sample of your extracted data to ensure quality meets your standards.
Advanced Google Maps Scraping Techniques
For users looking to go beyond basic filtering, Scrap.io offers several advanced features that distinguish it from competitors like those covered in our Leads Sniper comparison:
- Bulk processing: Extract data from multiple cities simultaneously
- API integration: Automate your lead generation workflow
- Custom export formats: Choose from CSV, Excel, or API delivery
- Real-time data: Always get the most current business information
Conclusion: Why Accurate Google Maps Data Extraction Matters
This is the end of the video. I hope you have enjoyed it. If you want to overcome the problem we have discussed in this video, you can go to scrap.io, and if you have any questions regarding the tool, you can directly contact our customer support.
With the right Google Maps scraper tool like Scrap.io, you can ensure that your lead generation efforts are focused and productive. The "Main Activity Only" filter is just one of many advanced features that make Scrap.io the preferred choice for businesses looking to extract accurate data from Google Maps.
Unlike generic scraping solutions, Scrap.io's precision filtering saves you time, improves lead quality, and ultimately drives better business results. Whether you're building restaurant email lists, finding local service providers, or conducting market research, accurate data extraction is the foundation of successful campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Google Maps Scraping
Can Google Maps be scraped legally?
Yes, Google Maps can be scraped using specialized tools like Scrap.io. However, it's important to use proper methods that respect rate limits and focus on publicly available business information. For detailed legal information, see our comprehensive legal guide.
Is it legal to scrape from Google Maps?
Scraping publicly available business information from Google Maps is generally legal when done responsibly. Scrap.io operates within legal boundaries by extracting only public business data and following best practices for data collection.
How do I scrape data from Google Maps effectively?
To scrape Google Maps effectively:
- Choose a reliable Google Maps scraper tool like Scrap.io
- Select your target categories and locations
- Apply filters like "Main Activity Only" for precise results
- Export your data to CSV or Excel format
How to install a Google Maps scraper?
With Scrap.io, there's no installation required. Simply visit the website, create an account, and start extracting data immediately through the web interface. For users preferring browser extensions, Scrap.io also offers the Maps Connect Chrome extension for free, which displays emails and social media profiles directly on Google Maps for one-click contact access.
What's the best Google Maps scraper tool?
Scrap.io stands out as the best Google Maps scraper due to its unique "Main Activity Only" filtering feature, real-time data extraction, and comprehensive filtering options. Unlike free alternatives, Scrap.io provides enterprise-grade accuracy and reliability.
Are there free Google Maps scraper options?
While there are Google Maps scraper free options available, they typically lack the advanced filtering capabilities necessary for accurate lead generation. Professional tools like Scrap.io offer significantly better precision and data quality.
Pro Tip: The Chrome extension is completely free and unlimited, making it perfect for quick lead verification while browsing Google Maps naturally.