Google Maps Platform — your API key and why you need it

Every Internet user knows Google Maps. It’s one of the most popular services we use daily, using its functionalities. In particular, a wide range of businesses that operate from a profile on Google My Business use online maps regularly.

Few people realize, however, that this Mountain View tech giant offers far more than the classic Google Maps searches. Businesses can also utilize Google Maps Platform or Google Maps API, which lets you embed maps on any website.

This feature should be of interest, especially to small local businesses and brick-and-mortar stores. Here, you will find out more about Google Maps API and what to do to generate your own API key in order to develop your business further.

What is Google Maps Platform?

Google Maps Platform allows users to utilize Google-made maps on their own website. In order to share a map, you need to create a map-specific API key and then embed it into your own website source code. You can also utilize such maps in your other digital products, such as applications.

According to Google, their service currently covers 99% of the earth’s surface. Over a billion active users use the functionality every month. It is so powerful that a tool is now yours to use. It takes but a few easy steps to fully enjoy a customized map within your own website.

Why is the Google Maps Platform essential for business?

Embedding a map onto your company’s official website (for example, under the Contact Us tab) is a recommended practice not only to cultivate your customer service but also to optimize for better search results. Naturally, you may embed a customized map purely for utilitarian reasons, but it could also help showcase your business as part of your website design and online image. 

Google Maps Platform offers three main products, which you can use simultaneously or one at a time. 

• Google Maps—As the name suggests, the service provides online maps. You can set such maps on your web/mobile app and your business website, for example, under the Contact Us tab, to make it easier for your potential customers to find your location. 
• Google Routes—Provide your customers with optimal directions, such as to your point of sale. The service considers current traffic information and allows users to specify travel modes.
• Google Places provides detailed information about a specific location point on the map, such as the address, name, customer reviews, or opening hours.

If you opt for all three products together, you receive a complete set of Google Maps functionalities. However, you can also reach them through our website and app.

How to create a Google Maps API Key?

As mentioned, you will need to create an API key to use the Google Maps Platform. The key will also allow you to customize the map, such as changing the color marking or pinpointing locations that are important to your business.

Generating the key is an easy, intuitive process. Just follow the instructions below.

Google Maps Billing Account

Before we create the API key, though, let’s discuss a billing account. You must set up your billing account to use Google Maps Platform.

Currently, Google grants all its users a 200-dollar monthly credit. The service is free of charge within the credit limit. If you exceed the limit, you will be charged in accordance with the current pricing model, which is why you are required to set up a billing account.

Set up your billing account and create your API key

w.cloud.google.com/maps-platform (remember to log in to your Google Cloud Platform first), click GET STARTED (in the upper right-hand corner), and then:

1. In the pop-up that appears, select the products that interest you — Maps, Routes, and/or Places. Any combination is allowed, so don’t worry; just check the products that best suit your needs.

2. If you already have an existing project, go ahead and select it; otherwise, you will need to create a new project to proceed. 

3. Next, let’s set up and attach your billing account. Create the billing account, enter your payment details (such as company name and address, country, primary contact data, and a valid credit card number), and click confirm.

4. You will see your API key on the screen.

If the key doesn’t appear automatically, open the top menu on the left (three horizontal bars in the top left corner), click APIs & Services, and then Credentials. In the pop-up that appears, click Create credentials, then select the API key.

Finally, make sure you restrict your key. Go to APIs & Services again and choose Credentials. The newly generated key will appear on the list of API keys. Click the black pencil icon to Edit the API key.

On the API key restrictions page, select HTTP referrers (websites). A website restrictions section will appear; click the Add item button.

Next, enter the website address where the map will be embedded and click Done. Finally, click the Save button at the bottom of the page.

That’s it — your API key is now restricted!

Be aware that if you would like to embed a dynamic interactive map onto your website, you need to enable the following APIs before you generate the key:

• Directions API,
• Google Maps JavaScript API,
• Distance Matrix API,
• Geocoding API,
• Google Street View Image API,
• Google Places API.

You will find them under APIs and Services / Library / Maps.

How do I add the Google Maps API key to my website?

Once you have the API key, you need to insert it into the website’s code to display the map. There are two ways of doing that: you can insert the key yourself or have the web site developer embed the key. Choose the solution that you are most comfortable with, depending on your technical skills.

We hope this guide proves useful. Good luck, and see you on Google Maps!