Introduction
WP-ImmoMakler® PLUS uses the Google Maps API Keys (Application Programming Interface) for the display of real estate maps (search results), geocoding (determination of the longitude and latitude of the specified addresses, or the center of the postal code area if the street/house number is not public) and for automatic address completion in the proximity search.
An API key is required for the use of Google Maps services so that Google can authorize the use and charge for extensive use.
In order to use the API keys, you must create a billing account and link it to the API project: https://console.cloud.google.com/project/_/billing/enable
But don't worry, not even customers with over 800 properties and a lot of traffic on their website have so far exceeded one of the chargeable limits. For some time now, however, Google has been asking for a bank account or credit card details to be on the safe side, but as I said, experience has shown that the monthly free quota is not used up.
For security reasons, the Google Maps API keys should be restricted so that no third parties can use the keys at your expense (the JavaScript API key, for example, can be read by anyone in the browser source code).
The geocoding API is called from the server (restriction to IP address) and the maps and autocomplete from the browser of your website visitors (restriction to the domain name). An API key can only be restricted to either IP addresses or URLs/domain names, so you need two different API keys.
If you have any questions or need help with the setup, we will of course be happy to help you!
Required API keys and settings
1) Server key
Determination of map positions, maps for PDF print view, address completion, proximity search (Geocoding API, Places API (New) and Maps Static API)
Detailed instructions from Google: Create key for Google Maps Geocoding API
Page of your API key settings: https://console.developers.google.com/apis/credentials
Activate the required APIs under "APIs & Services > Library":
- "Geocoding API": Activate Geocoding API
- "Places API (New)": Activate Places API (New)
- "Maps Static API": Activate Maps Static API
Recommended application restriction:
- IP address (your individual IP address is displayed under "WP-Admin > WP-ImmoMakler > Settings > Google Services", additional development environments are also possible here)
Recommended API restriction:
- "Geocoding API"
- "Places API (New)"
- "Maps Static API"
2) Browser key
Map display and address completion (Maps JavaScript API, Places API)
Detailed instructions from Google: Create key for Google Maps Geocoding API
Page of your API key settings: https://console.developers.google.com/apis/credentials
Activate the required APIs under "APIs & Services > Library":
- "Maps JavaScript API": Activate Maps JavaScript API
- "Places API": Activate Places API
Recommended application restriction:
- HTTP referral URL (your individual URL is displayed under "WP-Admin > WP-ImmoMakler > Settings > Google Services", additional development environments are also possible here). Please add an asterisk "*" at the end, otherwise only the start page is authorized to use the API key.
Recommended API restrictions:
- "Maps JavaScript API"
- "Places API"
