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iOS Google Maps Integration

This document explains step-by-step how to integrate Google Maps into an iOS application.

1. 🔑 Google Cloud Console Setup

1.1 Create or Select Project

  • Log in to Google Cloud Console.
  • Create a new project or select an existing one.
  • For permissions, coordinate with an authorized team member.

1.2 Enable APIs

Enable the following APIs for your project:

  • ✅ Maps SDK for iOS (for maps)
  • ✅ Places API (for local search/autocomplete)
  • ✅ Places SDK for iOS

Note: Enable any additional APIs depending on the services your app uses.

1.3 Create API Key

  • Navigate to API & Services > Credentials.
  • Create a new API key.
  • Give it a descriptive name (e.g., MyApp iOS Maps Key).

Apply restrictions:

  • Application Restrictions:

    • iOS apps
    • Bundle ID: Your app’s exact bundle ID (e.g., com.example.myapp)

  • API Restrictions:

    • Allow access only to:
      • Maps SDK for iOS
      • Places API
      • Places SDK for iOS

2. 🧩 Xcode Setup

2.1 Required SDKs

Make sure GoogleMaps and GooglePlaces SDKs are installed in your project.

2.2 Define API Key

In your AppDelegate.swift, inside the application(_:didFinishLaunchingWithOptions:) method, add:

import GoogleMaps
import GooglePlaces

GMSServices.provideAPIKey("YOUR_API_KEY")
GMSPlacesClient.provideAPIKey("YOUR_API_KEY")

It’s recommended to fetch the API key from a configuration file or plist instead of hardcoding.

2.3 Info.plist Settings

Add the following keys and descriptions if your app uses location services:


<key>NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription</key>
<string>Permission required to show your location on the map.</string>
<key>NSLocationAlwaysAndWhenInUseUsageDescription</key>
<string>Permission required to show your location on the map.</string>
<key>io.flutter.embedded_views_preview</key>
<true/>

Location permissions are necessary if your app uses device location features.

3. In-App Settings

  • Ensure your Bundle ID exactly matches the one set in Google Cloud Console.

  • Consider defining the API key in a configuration file (e.g., Config.plist or Environment.swift) for easier management.

  • Use different API keys for testing and production environments if needed.

4. Testing & Debugging

Test the following features inside your app:

  • Does the map load correctly?
  • Are pins placed correctly on the map?
  • Are location permissions requested and handled properly?
  • Does Places API autocomplete return results as expected?
  • Can addresses be added via the map?

If you encounter errors in Logcat, check:

  • The API key might be incorrect.
  • Required APIs might not be enabled.
  • iOS location permissions might be missing.
  • Check Xcode Console logs for messages like:
Google Maps SDK for iOS version...
Loaded GMSCoreResources.bundle

Notes

  • Google Maps usage includes a $200 free monthly credit; billing applies if usage exceeds this.

  • Autocomplete queries can be frequent; consider adding throttling or limiting requests.