Google Maps API Key | SP Page Builder (Pro) 3.x - Documentation | JoomShaper

SP Page Builder (Pro) 3.x

Updated Last: 26 May 2023

Google Maps API Key

Since July 2018, Google Maps (API) is no longer free, now you are responsible for your personal Google Maps Web API key. You have to associate a credit card so that you can get billed if your site has requests that exceed the $200 credit they give you monthly for free. That is why you may see the watermarked maps with the message "For development purposes only". For more information, see: https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/pricing/

A common problem with the new billing system is that you now have to activate each API separately. They all have different pricing (some are even free), so Google makes a point of having you enable them individually for your domain. So if you're still getting a restricted usage message after you've enabled billing, find out what API you need exactly for the features you want to offer, and check if it's enabled.

If your previous Google Maps API key was created before this change, we strongly recommend creating your new personal Google Maps API (Register for a Google Maps API Key here) and associating a credit card. Follow the instructions in the guide to getting an API key to register your app project on the Google Cloud Console, and get a Google API key to add to your Joomla website. Before you start using the Maps Embed API, you need a project with a billing account and the Maps Embed API enabled. 

For SP Page Builder Pro purposes you need: Maps JavaScript API

If you have a Google Map API - please put it inside SP Page Builder Options (Configuration).

gmap

An alternative way to get a google map for FREE ($0):

  1. In google.com/maps choose the map area,
  2. Click "Share" -> choose the tab "Embed a map" to generate Html code.
  3. Click "Copy HTML" to copy the whole iframe line.
  4. Then paste iframe Html code inside Raw HTML addon (it can be used in SPPB module and/or SPPB Page).
  5. You can change map size by editing iframe width and height values.
Google Maps for Free code

Sounds complicated? You don't have to use Google Maps - instead use addon with Open Streets Map (SPPB Pro). Those types of maps are free to use, without any API key nor credit card details. Unfortunately, on the OpenStreetMap, there is no street view.

Google Maps typical display problems:

  1. Most users create the account and use the initial credit applied. When this runs out or if a payment method is not updated, then the API will stop serving map(s).
  2. When users didn't update account settings after their initial "free trial" credits expired.
  3. When SP PageBuilder uses Google Map addon created before July 2018.