Google Static Maps API version 2

Google has released a major upgrade of its Static Maps API to version 2, and the previous version 1 is deprecated.

New Features:

• Locations can now be specified as addresses, previously latitude/longitude coordinates must be used
• Paths can be specified as encoded polylines
• Paths can be filled and rendered as polygons
• Colors can now be specified as any 24-bit or 32-bit color

Here is an example of filled path (polygon) of the Grand Palace area on a Google Static Maps result:


For version 1 users (including me), here is the upgrade guide.

Other relevant resources:
Developer's guide | Official BLOG | Google Static Maps 2 Wizard