How to Create and Configure a Google Maps API Key for Mapme

Google Satellite and Google Road basemaps are available directly from Mapme’s basemap style gallery for Enterprise customers. Customers on other Mapme plan can also use these Google basemaps by connecting their own Google Maps Platform API key.

Using your own key allows you to manage usage directly through Google and benefit from Google’s free monthly usage allowance. Google currently includes 100,000 free 2D Map Tile requests per month. Eligible nonprofit organizations can also receive an additional $250 USD per month in Google Maps Platform credits through Google for Nonprofits.

This guide explains how to create an API key, enable the required Maps JavaScript API, configure the necessary restrictions, and connect the key to Mapme.

Before You Begin

You will need:

• A Google account
• A Google Cloud project
• A billing account connected to the project

Google requires a billing-enabled Cloud project to use the Maps JavaScript API. Google Maps Platform usage is managed and billed directly by Google and may incur charges based on your usage and Google account configuration.

1. Create or Select a Google Cloud Project

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console.
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Use the project selector at the top of the page to select an existing project or create a new one.
4. If you create a project, enter a project name and click Create.

Make sure the correct project is selected before continuing. The API key, enabled APIs, and billing settings must all belong to the same project.

2. Connect a Billing Account

1. Open the navigation menu in the Google Cloud Console.
2. Go to Billing.
3. Connect an existing billing account or create a new one.
4. Confirm that the billing account is linked to the project selected in the previous step.

Billing must be enabled for the Maps JavaScript API to work.

3. Enable the Maps JavaScript API

Mapme requires the Maps JavaScript API to display Google basemaps.

To enable it:

1. In the Google Cloud Console, go to APIs & Services > Library.
2. Search for Maps JavaScript API.
3. Select Maps JavaScript API from the results.
4. Click Enable.

Make sure you enable the API in the same project that will contain your API key.

4. Create the Google Maps API Key

1. Go to APIs & Services > Credentials.
2. Click Create credentials.
3. Select API key.
4. Google will generate a new API key.
5. Copy the key so you can add it to Mapme later.

Before using the key, you should restrict it to prevent unauthorized use.

5. Restrict the API Key

Restricting the key ensures that it can only be used with Mapme and the Maps JavaScript API.

Add the Website Restriction

1. On the Credentials page, click the name of the API key you created.
2. Under Application restrictions, select Websites.
3. Under Website restrictions, click Add.
4. Enter the following authorized website:

   *.mapme.com

This restriction allows the key to be used by maps hosted on Mapme domains.

Restrict the Key to the Maps JavaScript API

1. Under API restrictions, select Restrict key.
2. Select Maps JavaScript API from the list.
3. Click Save.

Google may take several minutes to apply changes to a new or updated API key.

6. Add the Google Maps API Key to Mapme

Once the API key has been created and configured:

1. Open your map in the Mapme Editor.
2. Go to Appearance > Basemap.
3. Under Basemap Style, select Custom.
4. Select Google key.
5. Choose the Google basemap you want to use:
   • Satellite: Displays Google satellite imagery.
   • Road: Displays the standard Google road map.
6. Paste your Google Maps API key into the Google Maps API key field.
7. Click Apply Style.
8. Review the basemap in the map preview and publish your map when you are ready.

Troubleshooting

If the Google basemap does not appear, check the following:

• Correct project: Confirm that billing, the API key, and the Maps JavaScript API are configured in the same Google Cloud project.
• API enabled: Make sure the Maps JavaScript API is enabled.
• Billing enabled: Confirm that an active billing account is connected to the project.
• Website restriction: Make sure *.mapme.com is included under the key’s website restrictions.
• API restriction: Make sure the key is authorized to use the Maps JavaScript API.
• Correct key: Copy the API key again and make sure it does not contain additional spaces or missing characters.
• Configuration delay: Wait several minutes after creating or updating the key before testing it again.
• Apply the style: Return to Mapme and click Apply Style after updating the key.

Managing Usage and Security

The API key is connected to your Google Cloud project and billing account. You can use the Google Cloud Console to review API usage, configure quotas, create budget alerts, or replace the key if necessary.

Do not use an unrestricted API key. The website and API restrictions described above help prevent the key from being used outside Mapme.

For additional information, see Google’s documentation:

• Set up the Maps JavaScript API
• Google Maps Platform API security best practices