Mapping and Geocoding¶
Configure a mapping provider (e.g. OpenStreetMap or Google) to display maps for contact addresses by visiting Administer > System Settings > Mapping and Geocoding.
You can choose to use either Google or OpenStreetMap as your mapping provider depending on your preference. Check which service has the best coverage for the locations you expect your contacts to enter. If you've also configured a Geocoding provider and they have coverage for a contact and/or event location - CiviCRM will automatically populate/update the Latitude and Longitude fields (Geocoding) when the record is added or edited.
You can view the provider options at their respective websites:
Mapping Provider
Select the service (OpenStreetMaps or Google) used to build and display the maps shown in the CiviCRM UI.
Geocoding Provider
Select the service (Google) used to translate addresses into a latitude and longditude.
Geo Provider Key
Enter the API key as required by your GeoCoding provider.
Click Save to save your action or Cancel to cancel it.
If successful you will see the message "Your changes have been saved."
Internal Server and/or Firewall Issues
If CiviCRM is installed on a server which does not have access to the public internet or there is a firewall which prevents CiviCRM from communicating with your chosen web services - you will see one or more fatal errors when attempting to add or edit contact records. You will need to either disable Mapping and Geocoding - or resolve the connectivity issue to resolve this.
After enabling the mapping provider, you should configure the job.geocode scheduled job which will geocode addresses without a latitude and longditude according to the configured options.
Usage Limits
Some providers have usage limits on their Mapping and Geocoding APIs. If you go over the limits you may receive a overlimit error when trying to save an address.