# Google maps

To configure Google Maps services in the app, you need a Google Maps API key. Follow the step-by-step guide to purchase and set up your API key. This process applies to users who have already signed up on the Google Cloud Console.

Open the link below to access the Google Cloud Console using your email.

Google Cloud Console (Keys and Credentials page) - <https://console.cloud.google.com/projectselector2/google/maps-apis/credentials>

Step-1: Click on the Select a project (marked in the snapshot). This will open a popup - Click on New  Project. (as shown in below snapshots)

<figure><img src="/files/SFojkgDahMLTT9SclgVu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Step-2: Enter the project name (e.g., "Store Locator") and click **Create**.

<figure><img src="/files/WvXn139XZvyE85QlK03f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Wait a few moments for the project to be created.

Step-3: A page will appear with the **Finish Account Setup** option (as shown in the below snapshot).

<figure><img src="/files/hjsrG89wgBBfMaq21MVl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now click on the Finish account setup option, it will take you to the billing page (for adding a billing account).

**Step-4:** Add a billing account name and select your country – click on continue\
A credit card is required to be added for a Paid API key generation.

<figure><img src="/files/NnxzfTVEnDFTcVk5SoWY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Step-5: Add your credit card details and complete the billing process.\
After this process, you will see an option **setup and enable billing**, click on it to proceed

<figure><img src="/files/KAEzSvR7qcRFklYoYm7W" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/QgaxIH0XPVqs1tpySZH4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**After completing the transaction wait for a while to update the same in your Google Cloud account.**

Step-6: Click on Google Console in the top right corner - Click on APIs & Services option

<figure><img src="/files/U9gut1EFod7PrjQjPGwN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Step-7: Click on Credentials - you will find your pre-generated API key there.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/idDFaKZfWQdLZY5fZeLO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If the API key is not available click on Create Credential to generate a new API key.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
**Restrict Your API Key**

It is highly recommended to restrict your API key before using it with the app to prevent unauthorized access or misuse. [Learn More](/esl-easy-store-locator/google-maps/secure-your-google-maps-api-key.md)
{% endhint %}

***

## **Frequently Asked Questions**

**1. Is the API free to use?**\
Google offers $200 in free monthly usage credits. Additional usage incurs charges, which vary depending on the API calls.

**2. How can I monitor usage?**\
Visit the **Billing** section in the Google Cloud Console to track your usage and manage costs.

**3. What happens if I exceed the free credit?**\
Google will charge your linked payment method for usage beyond the $200 monthly credit.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you need any assistance regarding the above configurations, please drop an email at **<help@spicegems.com>**
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.spicegems.com/esl-easy-store-locator/google-maps.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.