FileMaker with Google Maps and Google Street View

Integrate Google Maps and Google Street View into FileMaker

FileMaker with Google Maps and Google Street View

The integration of Google Maps and Google Street View in FileMaker solutions offers a variety of practical application examples. For example, companies can automatically visualize addresses of customers or locations in their database on a map to plan routes or calculate distances. Sales representatives can use Street View to get a visual preview of a destination before they arrive on site, making it easier to prepare for customer appointments. In addition, branches or delivery points can be found and compared easily and clearly using the map display, which optimizes logistical planning and increases efficiency. The direct integration of these functions into FileMaker solutions improves the workflow and saves time by making important geographical information immediately available.

Table of contents

FileMaker with Google Maps and Google Street View
Prerequisites
Integration of Google Street View in FileMaker
Frequently asked questions about FileMaker and Google Maps
Summary

This guide shows you how to integrate and use Google Maps in FileMaker.

Prerequisites

A FileMaker database (FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Server).
A Google Cloud account with activated Google Maps APIs.
Basic knowledge of FileMaker, especially layout design and scripting.

Step 1: Set up Google Maps API

1. create a Google Cloud account

If you have not already done so, create an account on [Google Cloud](https://cloud.google.com/).

2. activate Google Maps API

Log in to the Google Cloud Console.
Create a new project or select an existing one.
Navigate to "APIs & Services" > "Library".
Search for "Maps JavaScript API" and activate this API for your project.
Also activate "Geocoding API", "Places API" and "Directions API" if you want to use these functions.

3. create API key

Go to "APIs & Services" > "Login data".
Click on "Create credentials" and select "API key".
Copy the generated API key, as you will need it later in FileMaker.

4. restrict API keys (optional, but recommended)

You can restrict the API key to certain IP addresses or HTTP referrers to prevent misuse.

Step 2: Prepare FileMaker database

1. create fields for geographical data

Open your FileMaker database.
Create fields in the corresponding table to store geographical information, e.g:
- Address
- City
- `PLZ`
- Country
- Latitude
- Longitude

2. insert WebViewer into layout

Go to the layout in which you want to display Google Maps.
Insert a WebViewer object (`Insert > WebViewer...`).
Select "Customized web address format" and enter the URL string for Google Maps.

Four FileMaker ERP platforms for optimal operating processes. Also available to buy from us.

Request information

Step 3: Display Google Maps in the WebViewer

1. base URL for Google Maps

The simplest form of a Google Maps URL is:

https://www.google.com/maps?q=
To display a specific address, append the address to the `q` parameter. Example:

https://www.google.com/maps?q=1600+Amphitheatre+Parkway,+Mountain+View,+CA

2. assemble URL in FileMaker

Use the FileMaker function 'Calculated field' or a formula field to generate the URL dynamically. Example:
"https://www.google.com/maps?q=" & Address & ", " & City & ", " & Postcode & ", " & Country
This calculation combines the values of the fields 'Address', 'City', 'Postcode' and 'Country' to form a complete URL.

3. configure WebViewer:

Enter the calculated URL string in the WebViewer dialog box.
You can use dynamic field values to update the URL according to the data records.

Step 4: Use advanced functions

1. geocoding (convert address into coordinates)

VUse the Google Geocoding API to convert addresses into geographical coordinates. API request example:

https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?address=1600+Amphitheatre+Parkway,+Mountain+View,+CA&key=YOUR_API_KEY
Use FileMaker's `Insert from URL` script to address the API and process the response. You can save the coordinates (`Latitude` and `Longitude`) in your database.

2. route calculation

Use the Google Directions API to calculate routes between two or more points.

Example of an API request:

https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/directions/json?origin=Toronto&destination=Montreal&key=YOUR_API_KEY

Process the answer in FileMaker, e.g. to display the directions.

3. search functions

Integrate the Google Places API to search for specific locations near an address.

API request example:

https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/place/nearbysearch/json?location=37.7749,-122.4194&radius=1500&type=restaurant&key=YOUR_API_KEY

The results can be displayed and further processed in FileMaker.

Step 5: Integration and optimization

1. scripts for automation

Create scripts in FileMaker to automate the API calls and process the data.
Example: A script that automatically retrieves and saves the coordinates for a new address.

2. error handling and API quota management

Add error handling routines to react to API errors (e.g. exceeding the API limit).
Monitor your API quota in the Google Cloud Dashboard to make sure you stay within your limit.

3. layout adjustments

Adjust the layout of the WebViewer to ensure that the map is displayed optimally.
Use conditions to update the WebViewer only when the relevant data changes.

FileMaker Crash Course

Fast and effective FileMaker
learning in 20 chapters.

Participate free of charge

Integration of Google Street View in FileMaker

Google Street View integration with FileMaker allows you to display street views directly in your FileMaker database, which is especially useful for applications that require geographic contextual information. This integration is done through FileMaker's WebViewer, which dynamically generates a URL that displays the Street View image based on the stored geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) in the database.

Step 1: Get the API key for Google Street View

First you need to get an API key from Google that gives you access to the Street View Static API. This API key is used in the URL to retrieve the Street View images. To do this, log in to the Google Cloud Console, activate the "Street View Static API" and create an API key.

Step 2: Prepare fields in FileMaker

Create fields for latitude and longitude in your FileMaker database. These fields are used to set the position for the Street View image. Optionally, you can add another field to control the viewing angle (`Heading`) and the camera angle (`Pitch`).

Step 3: Create URL for the WebViewer

The URL that you use in FileMaker's WebViewer must contain the required parameters for the Street View Static API. An example of such a URL looks like this:
"https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/streetview?size=600x300&location=" & Latitude & "," & Longitude & "&heading=" & Heading & "&pitch=" & Pitch & "&key=YOUR_API_KEY"

Parameters in this URL:

`size` defines the size of the displayed image.
`location` defines the geographical coordinates for the image.
Heading' determines the viewing angle in degrees (0 = north, 90 = east, 180 = south, 270 = west).
Pitch defines the vertical angle of the camera (negative value for downwards, positive value for upwards).
`key` is your Google API key.

Open and expandable ERP software based on FileMaker.

More information

Step 4: Integrate WebViewer into the layout

Insert a WebViewer on the desired layout in FileMaker. Select the "Custom Web Address Format" option and enter the URL formula you created earlier. Make sure that the fields `Latitude`, `Longitude`, `Heading` and `Pitch` are mapped correctly to generate the URL dynamically.

Step 5: Advanced customization and automation

To improve the user experience, you can create scripts in FileMaker that automatically retrieve the required coordinates based on an address and update the Street View image. You can also add conditional fields to ensure that Street View is only displayed when valid coordinates are available. If you want the user to interactively navigate between different views (e.g. change the viewing angle), you can set up buttons or sliders that dynamically adjust the values of 'Heading' and 'Pitch' and update the WebViewer.

Advantages of integration

The direct integration of Street View into FileMaker provides a seamless way to display geographic information in real images without the user having to leave the application. This is particularly useful for property managers, logistics companies or any application that requires a visual context to the stored addresses. By using the API, you can ensure that the images shown are always up-to-date and relevant, improving the accuracy and efficiency of your processes.

Frequently asked questions about FileMaker and Google Maps

How can I integrate Google Maps into my FileMaker database?
- You can integrate Google Maps into FileMaker using the WebViewer object. By inserting a Google Maps URL into the WebViewer and using dynamic parameters such as addresses from your database, you can display maps directly in FileMaker.
What do I need to use Google Maps with FileMaker?
- To integrate Google Maps into FileMaker, you need a Google Maps API and an API key. This key is embedded in the WebViewer URL or in API requests in order to access the Google Maps services.
How do I display an address from FileMaker in Google Maps?
- You can insert the address from a field in FileMaker into a Google Maps URL using the WebViewer function. Example: "https://maps.google.com?q=" & address field. This will display the address directly on the map in the WebViewer.
Can I use Google Street View in FileMaker?
- Yes, you can also integrate Google Street View in FileMaker via the WebViewer. You must use the corresponding Street View URL and coordinates or addresses to display the view at the desired location.
How do I get a Google Maps API key for FileMaker?
- You can create an API key via the Google Cloud Console. There you need to create a new project, activate the Google Maps API and then generate the API key that you can use for the integration in FileMaker.
Does it cost anything to use the Google Maps API in FileMaker?
- Yes, Google Maps API is not completely free. There is a monthly free usage quota, but charges may apply beyond that, depending on how many API requests you make. It is important to check the Google Maps pricing structure to avoid unexpected costs.
Can I use geocoding (converting addresses to coordinates) in FileMaker?
- Yes, you can use geocoding services from the Google Maps API in FileMaker. You send an address to the API and receive the corresponding geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude), which you can save or use in your database.
How can I calculate the distance between two addresses in FileMaker?
- You can use the Google Distance Matrix API to calculate distances between two addresses. The API provides you with the distance and travel time. You can send an API request from FileMaker and display the results in your data records.
Can I integrate route planning in FileMaker with Google Maps?
- Yes, you can use the Google Directions API to calculate routes between two or more locations and display them in FileMaker. You can display the route in the WebViewer and obtain additional information such as distances and travel times.
Can I display several addresses on one map at the same time?
- Yes, you can display multiple addresses on a Google Map by creating a custom API request that displays all addresses as markers on the map. This is particularly useful for applications such as customer locations or delivery routes.
How can I ensure that my Google Maps API usage in FileMaker remains efficient?
- To keep API usage efficient, you should optimize API requests and only send requests when necessary. You can also store data such as coordinates locally in FileMaker to avoid repeated API calls for the same addresses.
Can I also use Google Maps and Google Street View on mobile devices with FileMaker Go?
- Yes, both Google Maps and Google Street View work in the FileMaker Go app on mobile devices. You can use the WebViewer feature in FileMaker Go to view dynamic maps and Street View data on iPhone and iPad.

Summary

Integrating Google Maps into FileMaker opens up a wide range of possibilities for visualizing and manipulating geographic data. By combining FileMaker's flexible database platform with Google's powerful mapping and geocoding APIs, you can create customized applications that are both useful and easy to use. By following the steps above, you can quickly and efficiently implement a Google Maps integration into your FileMaker solution.

Integrating Google Street View into FileMaker requires some technical steps, but the benefits are significant. You can create a user-friendly and visually appealing application that allows users to see real street views directly in their database, allowing them to understand and analyze their data in a new context. With automation and the ability to customize the view, you can create a highly customizable solution that meets the specific needs of your organization.

FileMaker with Google Maps and Google Street View

FileMaker with Google Maps and Google Street View