SHOCKER: Google Maps Engine could be quietly coming to a halt soon

Google Maps appears to have hit a bump in the road with signs that its Engine is starting to slow down.

As of today, the Internet giant is said to be halting sign-ups for the Google Maps Engine API, which was crafted to help developers build apps with data infused from Google's extensive global mapping platform.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the page was still live. Google has not responded to requests for comment yet.

Google Maps Engine itself is a service for storing geographic data and then layering that data on top of the Google base map. According to Google, the data can consist of "vector and/or raster (imagery) files."

There are approximately one million active websites and apps using the Google Maps API for custom-made, cloud-based maps.

The Google Maps Engine support will end on January 29, 2016.