As of June, Google Maps requires each project to have its own API Key. They also adjusted their pricing to offer ~ 28,000 map loads per month for free (assuming no other API usage). For more details on pricing, visit Google's Pricing Page.
If you'd prefer to avoid setting up billing with Google or are concerned about usage limits, we offer an alternative with Mapbox, which provides 50,000 free map loads and 50,000 searches per month. You can set up a free Mapbox token (no billing info required) here.
For Google Maps setup, follow the steps below. You may also reference Google's step-by-step tutorial here.
Step 1 - Quickstart Guide
Google provides an interactive setup for new users to get started with their Cloud Console. If you've never used Google Cloud Console before, follow the Get Started Tutorial.
Alternatively, if you're familiar with the console, follow these manual steps:
-
Create a New Project:
- Go to the Google Cloud Project Selector.
- Click Create Project and give it a name of your choice.
-
Enable Billing:
- Ensure billing is enabled for your project. Visit Google Cloud Billing to confirm.
- Google Maps Platform offers $200 in monthly credits and a free trial.
Step 2 - Enable APIs
For Google Maps to work with Storepoint, you must enable both the Places API (for search suggestions) and the Maps JavaScript API (for displaying maps).
- Visit the Google Maps API Library.
- Select and enable the required APIs (Places API and Maps JavaScript API):
- If the button says Enable, click to enable the API.
- If it says Manage, the API is already enabled.
Step 3 - Create an API Key
To generate your API Key:
- Go to the Google Maps Credentials page.
- Click + Create Credentials > API Key
- Copy the key and paste it into the Storepoint Dashboard to have your locator use this key. Add the key to the Google Maps API Key Field in the Storepoint dashboard at Map Provider Settings - Google Maps API Key.
Step 4 - Secure Your API Key
To prevent unauthorized usage of your API key:
- After your website is live, visit the API Credentials page.
- Click on your API Key, scroll down, and select HTTP Referrers under "Application Restrictions."
- Enter your domain, e.g.,
YOURDOMAIN.COM/*and*.YOURDOMAIN.COM/*.
For further assistance, contact us at hello@storepoint.co.
Troubleshooting
- Search not working? Ensure the Places API is enabled. Follow this guide for help.
- Map errors? Double-check your domain setup in HTTP Referrers.
- Other errors? Check if we've detected any errors in the Storepoint dashboard or the "Fix Errors" page (if errors have been detected).
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at hello@storepoint.co.
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