How to create Google Maps API keys

Atlas Pickup Points requires two Google Maps API keys to function properly. While the Google Maps Platform is a paid service, Google provides a generous $200 USD monthly credit, which is typically sufficient for most Shopify Plus stores.

Steps to create Google Maps API keys

Follow these steps to create and configure your API keys:

1. Set up Google Cloud

Visit the Google Maps Platform website.
Click Get started and sign in with your Google account.
Select Create a new project when prompted and give it a name.
Set up billing for your project by adding a payment method.
- Note: You won’t be charged until you exceed the $200 USD monthly credit.
Once billing is set up, your project will be created and ready for API configuration.

2. Enable required APIs for your project

Navigate to the APIs & Services tab.
Enable the following APIs:
- Maps JavaScript API
- Geocoding API
- Places API (New)

3. Create and configure the first API key (public)

Go to the Keys & Credentials tab.
Click on Create credentials and select API key.
After the API key is generated, click on Edit API key to configure it.

Configure the first key (public)

Name: Atlas Pickup Points - First key (Public)
Set an application restriction:
- Select Websites.
- Add the following websites (without trailing slashes):
```
https://your-shop-address.com
https://*.your-shop-address.com
https://shop.app
https://shopify.com
```
  Important: Ensure that websites URLs are not ending with /
API restrictions:
- Select Restrict key.
- Choose the following API:
  - Maps JavaScript API
Click Save.

4. Create and configure the second API key (private)

Go to the Keys & Credentials tab.
Click on Create credentials and select API key.
After the API key is generated, click on the API key name to configure it.

Configure the second key (private)

Name: Atlas Pickup Points - Second key (Private)
Set an application restriction:
- We recommend not setting any application restrictions for this key. If this is a concern, please contact us.
API restrictions:
- Select Restrict key.
- Choose the following APIs:
  - Geocoding API
  - Places API (New)
Click Save.

5. Update the Atlas Pickup Points settings

Go to the Settings page of the Atlas pickup points app in your Shopify store.
Paste both API keys into the appropriate fields.

6. Test the integration

After updating the API keys, verify that the pickup points selection is working correctly:

Enter a new address in your store’s checkout.
Test the following features:
- List view: Ensure that pickup points are loading and visible on the list.
- Map view: Confirm that the map displays tiles and pickup points markers are visible.
- Map search autocomplete: Check that the address autocomplete appears during search.

FAQ

How do I set up billing in Google Cloud?

Visit the Billing page in Google Cloud Console. You’ll need to enable billing and add a payment method for the API keys to function properly.

What are the costs associated with using Google Maps APIs?

Google provides a generous $200 USD monthly credit which covers typical usage for most stores. For detailed pricing and to manage costs, you can:

Monitor your usage in Google Cloud Console
Set up usage caps and budget alerts to prevent unexpected charges
Contact us if you need help estimating costs for your store

Why isn’t the map loading after I entered the API key?

Common issues include:

Website restrictions: domains ending with / (remove trailing slashes)
Billing not enabled
Wrong API enabled for the key

How can I enable new Google Maps APIs?

To enable additional APIs:

Go to APIs & Services and enable the desired APIs
Visit Keys & Credentials to add the APIs to your key’s restrictions

What should I do if my API key is compromised?

If you suspect your API key has been compromised:

Create a new API key immediately
Update the key in your Atlas Pickup Points settings
Delete the compromised key to prevent unauthorized usage
Review your billing for any suspicious activity
Contact Google Maps Platform Support for further assistance