Google Maps API Setup
Complete guide to configure Google Maps JavaScript API for FFL Woocommerce Plugin
📝 Setup Workflow
- Step 1: Create or select Google Cloud Platform project
- Step 2: Enable billing and activate all three required APIs
- Step 3: Generate API key with proper security restrictions
STEP 1
Google Cloud Platform Setup
Access Google Cloud Console and create or select a project for your Maps API integration.
Console URL
https://console.cloud.google.com/
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a Google Cloud account, you’ll need to sign up and provide a valid payment method. Google provides $200 in monthly credits for Maps API usage.
Project Creation Steps
- Navigate to Google Cloud Console and sign in
- Click the project dropdown in the top navigation
- Select “New Project” or choose existing project
- Enter project name (e.g., “My Maps Application”)
- Click “Create” and wait for project initialization
STEP 2
Enable Required APIs
Activate all three mandatory APIs in your Google Cloud project. Each API must be enabled individually.
Navigation Path
APIs & Services → Library
API Activation Checklist
REQUIRED Maps JavaScript API
- Search for “Maps JavaScript API” in the API Library
- Click on the Maps JavaScript API result
- Click “Enable” button
- Wait for activation confirmation (1-2 minutes)
REQUIRED Places API
- Return to API Library
- Search for “Places API”
- Click on the Places API result
- Click “Enable” button and wait for activation
REQUIRED Geocoding API
- Return to API Library
- Search for “Geocoding API”
- Click on the Geocoding API result
- Click “Enable” button and wait for activation
✅ Verification: You can verify all APIs are enabled by checking “APIs & Services > Enabled APIs” in your Google Cloud Console.
STEP 3
Generate API Key
Create a secure API to access your enabled Google Maps APIs.
Navigation Path
APIs & Services → Credentials
API Key Creation Process
- Navigate to “APIs & Services > Credentials”
- Click “+ Create Credentials” button
- Select “API Key” from the dropdown
- Copy the generated API key immediately
- Store the key securely (you’ll need it for ffl plugin configuration)
💳 Billing & Usage Information
- Free Tier: Google provides $200 monthly credit for Maps API usage
- Maps JavaScript API: 28,000 map loads per month (free tier)
- Places API: Usage-based pricing beyond free tier
- Geocoding API: 40,000 requests per month (free tier)
- Set up billing alerts to monitor usage and avoid unexpected charges