How to Get a Google Maps API Key: Retrieve Latitude and Longitude from Addresses in Google Sheets

2025年1月19日2025年1月22日

Have you ever wanted to automatically retrieve latitude and longitude from addresses to enhance data analysis or improve workflow efficiency?

With the Google Maps API, this becomes possible.

However, to get started, you first need to obtain an API key.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining your Google Maps API key.

About Google Maps API

The Google Maps API is a platform provided by Google that allows you to access various map-related features.

It supports a wide range of applications, including map display, route navigation, and retrieving location information.

To meet diverse mapping needs, Google offers specialized APIs tailored to specific purposes.

For example, the Google Maps API is commonly used in the following scenarios:

Geocoding API: Converts addresses to latitude and longitude, and vice versa.
Directions API: Provides route navigation and calculates travel distances.
Places API: Searches for nearby places and retrieves detailed information about them.

The Geocoding API specializes in retrieving latitude and longitude from addresses (known as “geocoding”).

In this guide, we’ll focus on obtaining the API key required to use the Geocoding API, one of the many features offered by the Google Maps API.

Steps to Obtain a Google Maps API Key

Obtaining a Google Maps API Key

The API key created through Google Cloud Platform (GCP) can be used not only for the Google Maps API but also for other Google Cloud-related APIs, such as the YouTube Data API and Google Drive API.

However, for better security and easier troubleshooting, it is recommended to manage API keys separately for each service or purpose.

In this guide, we will create an API key specifically for Google Maps API-related purposes and refer to it as the Google Maps API Key.

STEP

Creating a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Account

Visit the official Google Cloud Platform (GCP) website.

If you’re using GCP for the first time, click on “Get Started for Free” and log in with your Google account or create a new one.

You’ll receive $300 in free credits to use for various GCP services, including the Google Maps API.

STEP

Selecting a Project

After logging in, click on “Select a Project” located in the top-left corner of the screen.

Create a new project here to begin setting up and preparing for API usage.

STEP

Creating a Project

Click on “New Project” to create a new project.

STEP

Naming Your Project

Choose a name for your project and click the “Create” button.

Example: My Maps Project
A default project name will be pre-filled, but you can change it to any name you like.

STEP

Selecting the Created Project

Go to “Select a Project” and choose the project you just created.

STEP

Selecting “APIs & Services”

After selecting your project, click on “APIs & Services” from the menu.

STEP

Accessing the Library

Next, click on “Library” under the APIs & Services section.

STEP

Searching for Geocoding API

Use the search bar to look for “Geocoding API”.

STEP

Enabling the API

From the search results, select “Geocoding API”.

Click the “Enable” button to activate the API.

STEP

Obtaining the API Key

Navigate to “APIs & Services” > “Credentials” from the menu.

Click “Create Credentials” and select “API Key”.

STEP

Copying the API Key

Copy the generated API key.

Save it securely for later use in Google Apps Script or other integrations.

Saving the API Key in Script Properties

To use the API key in Google Apps Script (GAS), store it in the script properties.

Why Use Script Properties?

Security:: By storing the API key in script properties, you avoid hardcoding it into the script, reducing the risk of exposure to third parties.
Ease of Maintenance:: If the API key needs to be updated, you can simply modify the property without editing the script itself.
Reusability:: The same API key can easily be reused across different functions or projects without duplicating code.