How to Enable and Use Google Maps
Jason Bullington avatar
Written by Jason Bullington
Updated over a week ago

Due to Google's terms of service, we cannot bundle the Google Map API with your website.

Therefore in order to use Google maps, you may be required to obtain a Google API key. Without this key, maps on your website may not appear on pages which utilize Google's mapping functionality.

The deadline to obtain your API key will be announced shortly.

Guidelines for Using Google Map API on Commercial Websites
As long as your site is generally accessible to consumers without charge, you may use the Google Maps API. For example, if your website is supported by advertising, it likely falls within the Google Maps API Terms of Service. If you charge people to place information on your map (e.g. to list their homes for sale), but you display this information using the Google Maps API on a free part of your site, you'll also meet the Google Maps API Terms of Service.

However, not all commercial uses are allowed. For example, if your site meets any of the following criteria you must purchase the appropriate Google Maps API for Business license:

  • Your site is only available to paying customers.

  • Your site is only accessible within your company or on your intranet.

  • Your application relates to enterprise dispatch, fleet management, business asset tracking, or similar applications.

Remember, Google reserves the right to suspend or terminate your use of the Google Maps API at any time, so please ensure that you read the Terms of Service carefully. The rules here may have updated since it was posted on 9/21/2013. Please always check Google's Map API Terms of Service for updates.

How to Get a Google API Key
Obtaining a Google API key is free as long as you meet the guidelines above. To get an API key is very easy. While an API key may not be required, it is recommended.

Adding a Google Map API key will:

  • Allow you to view usage reports in the APIs console.

  • Allow you to purchase additional quota (25,000 map views per day) when required.

  • Give Google a way to contact you about your application.

To obtain a key to use Google Maps on your website, you must do the following:

  1. Visit the APIs Console at https://code.google.com/apis/console and log in with your Google Account (if you do not have a Google account, you will need to create one).

  2. Once logged in, click on Create Project.

  3. You should be within the Services section, if not, click the Services link from the left-hand menu.

  4. Find and activate the Google Maps API v3 service.

  5. Click on the API Access link on the left.

  6. Your key should appear under the Simple API Access section.

  7. Select the key with your mouse pointer. Press Ctrl+C to COPY it.

  8. Next, log into your LinkU website control panel.

  9. Click on Website Settings.

  10. Find the Google API Key field.

  11. Paste the key into the field.

  12. Click to Save Changes.

Mapping is now available on your website. For more details on how the map is used, see below.

Viewing Listings & Office Locations
When your map is enabled with the API key a "View on Map" or "Show Map" button will appear on pages which offer a map for the user to click and view the map. This is the default setting to reduce the number of page views per day.

You can have your map display automatically, without the user clicking the button by changing the option your Map Settings.

Listing Details and Street View
For now, this map will appear even if you do not have a key. After the cut-off date a key will be required for the map and street view options to appear.

Instant Home Value Request
For now, this map will appear even if you do not have an key. Map views are counted toward your domain name. Since a user or bot cannot see the map unless a form is completed, the map views should be minimal. After the cut-off date a key will be required for the map to appear.

Local School Search
For now, this map will appear even if you do not have an key. Map views are counted toward your domain name. Since a user or bot cannot see the map unless a form is completed, the map views should be minimal. After the cut-off date a key will be required for the map to appear.

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