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Google Maps — API Configuration

Last reviewed: 2026-05-29

Google Maps Platform provides APIs and SDKs for embedding Google Maps, calculating routes, searching places, and integrating location data into web and mobile applications.

Overview

This folder stores configuration for Google Maps API integration, including API keys and setup instructions.

Training Content

  • Maps JavaScript API — Embed interactive maps in web pages
  • Geocoding API — Convert addresses to coordinates and vice versa
  • Directions API — Calculate routes and travel times
  • Places API — Search for places, businesses, and points of interest
  • Distance Matrix API — Travel time and distance for multiple origins/destinations

⚠️ Security note: API key file contents are not shown in the training listing for security reasons.

API Key Setup

  1. Go to Google Cloud Console
  2. Create a new project (or select existing)
  3. Navigate to APIs & Services → Credentials
  4. Click Create Credentials → API Key
  5. Restrict the key:
  6. Application restrictions: HTTP referrers (web), IP addresses (server), Android/iOS apps
  7. API restrictions: Only enable the specific APIs you need
  8. Enable the required APIs:
  9. Maps JavaScript API
  10. Geocoding API
  11. Directions API
  12. Places API
  13. Copy the key and use it in your application

Usage Examples

Web (Maps JavaScript API)

<script>
  function initMap() {
    const map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("map"), {
      center: { lat: 48.8566, lng: 2.3522 },
      zoom: 12,
    });
  }
</script>
<script
  src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=YOUR_API_KEY&callback=initMap"
  async defer>
</script>

Geocoding (REST API)

curl "https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?
  address=1600+Amphitheatre+Parkway,+Mountain+View,+CA&key=YOUR_API_KEY"

Security Best Practices

  1. Restrict API keys — Never leave a key unrestricted
  2. Use environment variables — Never hardcode API keys in source code
  3. Enable billing alerts — Set up budget alerts in Google Cloud Console
  4. Monitor usage — Track API calls in the Cloud Console dashboard
  5. Rotate keys — Periodically regenerate keys

Resources