Creating a Maps API Key

Overview

To use distance and location features in DayBack, you'll need a Google API key.

This key allows Google to track your map usage and bill you if you exceed their free monthly allocation of API calls. Setting up an API key is quick, and once you have it, you can enter it into DayBack’s admin settings.

Google's API Key

Why Do I Need an API Key?

Google charges for its mapping, distance, and routing APIs, and DayBack requires a way to associate those charges with your account. Instead of building a separate billing system, we use Google’s API console, which provides:

• Usage tracking to monitor your API calls.
• Cost forecasting to help you estimate expenses.
• Budget alerts to notify you before exceeding your limits.

This way, DayBack does not need to mark up the charges it's receiving from Google before passing them on to you.

Creating a Google API Key

You’ll use the same API key for all location-related features in DayBack—no need to create separate keys for distance, routing, or maps.

Step 1: Set Up Your Google Billing Account

Here's a link to Google's documentation on creating a project and setting up billing.

Order of Operations:

Create a Google Cloud Account

Create a new project (that will hold your billing and API information)  

Enable billing in that new project

Step 2: Enable the Necessary APIs

Here's a link to Google's documentation on enabling APIs.

You'll enable the following APIs:

Maps JavaScript API

Directions API

Geocoding API

Step 3: Create an API Key

Here's a link to Google's documentation on creating an API key.

Step 2: Assign API Key to DayBack

Copy the generated key and add it to DayBack’s admin settings under Views -> Map API Key.

How Much Will Google Charge Me?

Most users stay within Google’s free tier, so they don’t pay anything. However, starting in March 2025, Google is updating its pricing, and small charges may apply if you rely on maps as a key part of your business.

Check Your Estimated Costs

Use Google’s pricing calculator to estimate potential charges. We recommend you start with the free allotment in the "Pay as you go" plan and only choose a subscription if you're accruing costs.

To avoid unexpected costs, we recommend setting up budget alerts in the Google Cloud Console.

What API Calls Are Being Made?

Here's an overview of what API calls are being made when you interact with the calendar in DayBack:

• A call to "Maps JavaScript" API (under the Maps tab) is used any time the map is reloaded.
• A call to the "Directions" API happens for each route shown on the map.
• A call to the "Geocoding" API (under the Places tab) is used whenever you retrieve the geocode value for a location. (Found in the Geocode Location functions provided.)