We noticed that JavaScript is disabled in your browser. We suggest enabling it for a better experience.
We noticed you're using an older version of Internet Explorer. We suggest you update to the latest version for a better experience.
Skip to main content
Print

Collect location details using Google Maps

Pro, Business and Enterprise plans

Use Google Maps to collect details about locations by adding a location field to your form.

The location field can allow your users to:

  • Drop a pin directly on the map to mark a location
  • Let the “find my location” option drop a pin for them
  • Type an address in the search box and choose from the list of results (when they select one, a pin will be dropped on the map)

Use a location field to help people tell you where they live, or even where they’ve found something important. It's great for reporting issues like:

  • Fallen trees
  • Graffiti
  • Rubbish
  • Potholes
  • Damage to property

example.png

Before you can use the full functionality of location fields you’ll need to add a Maps API key in OpenForms. If you don’t add an API key, your location field won’t include a map.

Add a Maps API key

Only admins can change the OpenForms settings for Google services. If you’re not an admin you can still use a location field in your form, but it may not include a map if an admin user hasn’t added an API key.

  1. From the main menu, go to Integrations > Connectors > Form add-ons > Google Maps

  2. Select Add in the Google Maps connector details page

  3. Enter your Maps API key (if you don't have one, you'll need to set one up.) 

  4. Make sure you have the following options enabled in the Google Maps > APIs screen of the Google developers console.

    • Google Places API Web Service
    • Google Maps Javascript API
    • Google Maps Geocoding API

  5. Save your changes.

You’re ready to add a fully-functional location field to your form.

Add a location field to your form

  1. Open a form from Forms.

  2. Add a location field by dragging it from the fields menu into your form.

  3. Name your location field.

  4. Enter latitude and longitude coordinates to position the center of your map.

  5. Check or uncheck Display map to show or hide the map on your published field.

  6. Choose a Zoom level for your map. A higher number means the map is zoomed in closer.

  7. Save your form when you’re done.

Are you making forms for your local area? If you want to link the responses you get through your location field with your own GIS information, you should use a text field instead. You can set up the text field with a data connection that connects to your internal systems.

Visit Form fields to learn more about the other fields available on OpenForms.

Was this helpful?

Related topics