Google Maps API Key Reference
Since Google have introduced their new usage terms in July 2018 it is recommended to obtain a Google API Key and to use it with maps that you create using Map Channels.
If an API Key is not supplied some maps tools now display a loading panel with a 'View Map' link. This is intended to limit the usage of the Map Channels API keys.
Please view the Google API Key Guide for full instructions on obtaining an API key.
This section includes screenshots from the Google Console to illustrate the process of setting up an API key.
1. Create A New Project
2. Enable APIs
3. Create Credentials
4. Set Domain Restrictions
5. Enable Billing
6. Create Budget
7. Set Quotas
8. Set Your API Key In Your Map Channels User Profile
9. Update Your Map Channels Projects
10. Troubleshooting
To get started visit the Google API Console and log in using your Google account.
Please enable the following APIs:
• Google Maps JavaScript API
• Google Maps Directions API
• Google Places API Web Service
This stage will generate the API Key.
4 Set Domain Restrictions
You should limit your key so that it can only be used within selected domains.
Most most map types add the Map Channels domain:
*.mapchannels.com/*
If you are a supporter using Team Maps in ad-free mode then set the full embed path of your Team Map.
Directions
1. Click on 'Goto API overview'.
2. Click on 'Maps Javascript API'.
3. Near the top of the page are 3 headings, Metrics, Quotas and Credentials - click on Credentials.
4. Your Browser Key should be listed, Click on the Browser Key name (e.g. Browser Key 1)
5. A new panel displays with a 'Key Restrictions' section.
6. Select the 'HTTP referrers' radio button.
7. Find the 'Accept requests from these HTTP referrers' heading.
8. Enter one URL per link and hit the return key after each one then add the next URL.
9. Finally hit 'Save' at the bottom of the page.
Note: The line '*.tripgeo.com' in the screenshot below is not required, this just illustrates how to add additonal URLs.
It is important to also set quotas and a budget to avoid getting billed for usage.
The budget settings will generate an email notification when a limit is reached.
The budget settings are NOT a hard cap on usage. To apply a cap view the 'Set Quotas' section below.
You can set a quota limit for your account to ensure that you do not get billed if you exceed the quota. It is highly recommended to set a quota limit in the Google API console.
View this reference: https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/pricing/sheet/ to see free usage limits.
it is recommended to set 450 views per day as the limit if you are displaying street view or 900 per day if you are just displaying maps.
8 Set Your API Key In Your Map Channels User Profile
In the Google Maps console click on the 'Credentials' tab to obtain your key and copy to the clipboard.
On the Map Channels site go to your user profile page (click the profile button the top right of the page). Enter your API Key in the marked field and click 'Apply Changes'.
9 Update Your Map Channels Projects
Once you have your API Key set up and stored in your profile go to the appropriate map tool pages and update your maps. Some tools will generate an updated script which contains your API key as an extra parameter. Replace old scripts with the new scripts in your web pages. The maps should now display without the loading panel.
If your map does not display properly after setting up the API key please check the developer console of your browser (shortcut = F12). The message displayed may help identify the source of the problem.
Please contact us if you need assistance setting up your API Key.