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API Key: SNG Map Builder

Creating a Google Maps API Key

SNG Map Builder uses the Google Maps JavaScript API to render maps in the browser. You need an API key from Google Cloud Console. This takes about 5 minutes.

Step 1 — Create a Google Cloud account

Go to console.cloud.google.com and sign in with your Google account. If you do not have a Google account, create one for free.

Step 2 — Create a new project

  1. Click the project dropdown at the top of the page (it may say "Select a project" or show an existing project name)
  2. Click New Project
  3. Give it a name — for example, SNG Maps
  4. Click Create

Tip

You can use an existing Google Cloud project if you already have one. Just make sure you are working in the correct project before proceeding.

Step 3 — Enable the Maps JavaScript API

  1. In the left sidebar, go to APIs & Services → Library
  2. Search for Maps JavaScript API
  3. Click on the result and then click Enable

This is the only API SNG Map Builder requires.

Step 4 — Create an API key

  1. Go to APIs & Services → Credentials
  2. Click + Create Credentials at the top
  3. Select API key
  4. Google will generate your key immediately — copy it and keep it safe

Restricting your key prevents unauthorised use and protects your Google Cloud billing account.

  1. In the Credentials list, click Edit (pencil icon) on your new API key
  2. Under Application restrictions, select Websites
  3. Add your domain — for example, yourdomain.com/*
  4. Under API restrictions, select Restrict key
  5. Choose Maps JavaScript API from the dropdown
  6. Click Save

Why restrict your key?

Without restrictions, anyone who finds your API key in your page source can use it and generate charges on your account. Restricting it to your domain and to the Maps JavaScript API means it cannot be misused elsewhere.