Generating Google Maps API Key and Map ID

Google Maps configuration is required for Chauffeur Taxi Booking System. The plugin uses Google Maps services to display maps, provide address autocomplete, calculate distances and travel times, calculate routes from and back to the vehicle base, handle geofencing, and create custom routes in the WordPress dashboard.

To use these features, you need to create a Google Cloud project, enable the required APIs, generate an API key, and create a Map ID.

Google Maps Platform requires a billing account, but Google provides free usage limits that renew every month. For typical use on a small or medium-sized website, Google Maps usage is usually covered by these free limits. Charges may apply only when usage exceeds the available monthly allowance. You can review the current free usage limits and pricing on the Google Maps Platform Pricing Page.

Create a Google Cloud Project

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console at https://console.cloud.google.com/. If you are not logged in, Google will prompt you to sign in.
2. Click the ‘Select a project’ dropdown at the top – See screenshot.
3. Click ‘New Project’ – See screenshot.
4. Enter a ‘Project Name’.
5. Click ‘Create’ – See screenshot.

Enable the Required APIs

1. In the Google Cloud Console, go to ‘APIs & Services’ -> ‘Library’ – See screenshot, See screenshot.
2. Use the search bar to find and enable the following APIs:
   • Geocoding API – See screenshot.
   • Maps JavaScript API – See screenshot.
   • Places API (New) – See screenshot.
   • Places API – the legacy Places API is also required by the plugin. You can enable it using this direct link.
   • Routes API – See screenshot.
3. Open each API and click ‘Enable’.
4. If billing has not yet been configured for the project, Google will prompt you to create or select a Billing Account and provide the required billing information.

Create an API Key

1. Navigate to ‘APIs & Services’ -> ‘Credentials’.
2. Click ‘Create Credentials’ and select ‘API Key’ – See screenshot.
3. Your new API key will be generated. Copy it for later use – See screenshot.

Restrict the API Key

1. In the ‘Credentials’ section, locate your newly created API key.
2. Click the key name to edit it – See screenshot.
3. Under ‘Application restrictions’, select ‘Websites’ and click ‘Add’.
4. In the ‘Website’ field, add your domain, for example:
   • https://yourdomain.com/*
   • https://sub.yourdomain.com/*
5. Under ‘API restrictions’, select ‘Restrict key’.
6. Select the following APIs:
   • Geocoding API
   • Maps JavaScript API
   • Places API (New)
   • Places API
   • Routes API
7. Click ‘Save’.

Create a Map ID

1. Navigate to ‘Google Maps Platform’ -> ‘Map Management’ – See screenshot.
2. Click ‘Create Map ID’ – See screenshot.
3. Enter a ‘Name’ for the Map ID.
4. For ‘Map Type’, select JavaScript and Raster.
5. Click ‘Save’.
6. Your Map ID will be generated. Copy it for later use – See screenshot.

Configure Google Maps in the Plugin

1. Navigate to ‘Settings’ -> ‘Chauffeur Booking System’ -> ‘General’ -> ‘Google Maps’.
2. Paste your API key into the ‘Google Maps API Key’ field.
3. Paste your Map ID into the ‘Google Map ID’ field.
4. Click ‘Save Changes’.