In order to use Google Maps with MetaLocator you must obtain, authorize and restrict API keys and finally configure MetaLocator accordingly.
Important: Understand costs associated with Google APIs. Use budget alerts to monitor your spend.
Obtain a Google API Key
The best place to start is Google's video and instructions here:
Enable Project Access to APIs
Create a new Google Console Project. Alternatively, you can use an existing Google Console Project. In your Google Console Project, click Library, and enable access for your project to:
Not all projects will require all of these APIs.
Create API Keys
In Google Cloud Console, under APIs & Services, Click Credentials. Create a new API Key as shown below:
Authorize Keys for API Access
Each Google API key must also be granted access to specific APIs. Include the following APIs.
Maps Javascript API provides access to mapping services
Places API (include both classic and New) enables Autocomplete and Google Places data access.
Geocoding API translates addresses and search terms into latitude and longitude.
Restrict access to your API Key
It is critical to restrict your API keys to provide access only to MetaLocator and your Website. In your API Key configuration, restrict access to only MetaLocator and your own domain as shown below:
Configure a MetaLocator Interface to use Google Maps
After obtaining a Google API Key as described above, which commonly looks similar to this:
AIzaSyC111111nHuaBcUTRTRR-TJQ2222w
Click Interfaces and edit the Interface for which Google Maps is required.
Click Map Settings
Choose Google Maps from the Map Vendor setting.
Click "More Map Features" and paste your API key as shown below into the Google API Key setting
Save the Interface
Google Maps for Geocoding
Google Maps API can also be used to obtain latitude and longitude for your locations (geocoding).
Geocoding should use a separate Google API key since it runs server side and is not subject to the domain restrictions described above.
Include at least the Geocoding API, the Maps Javascript API and Google Places API.
To obtain a Google API Key for Geocoding, follow the steps provided above to obtain an additional API key, but do not apply the Website restrictions.
Once you have a Google Maps API key, configure it in MetaLocator as follows.
Login to the Owner User Account
Click the User icon in the upper right of the MetaLocator control panel toolbar
Click My User Profile
Click Toggle Advanced Settings
Set the Geocoding Vendor to Google as shown below
Copy and paste the Google API Key as shown below
Click Save at the bottom of the screen