In one of our previous posts, we showed you how to display a Google Map in your WordPress website. Among the three ways we talked about, one was titled ‘Adding Google Maps using a plugin.’ We discussed about a plugin for that purpose. However, there are some other excellent Google Map plugins for WordPress. We thought we should introduce them to you too. And here you go.
1. MapPress Easy Google Maps
Based on the latest Google Maps API, MapPress is a simple plugin for adding Google Maps to your website. Once you have installed and activated the plugin, you will find a new menu titled ‘MapPress’ in your website dashboard. Clicking on that link will take you to the settings page of the plugin. The page is divided into several sections. Each section groups similar options. Though most of the options are intuitive, you can always refer to the official documentation if you are confused about any option.
MapPress allows you to create a map right from the new post page. The map will also be saved for later use. The multisite supported plugin works with custom post types too. You can easily add markers for place, location or address and drag the marker to other locations. Besides the default marker, you can use custom text or use HTML to spice up the marker. Other interesting features include real time traffic update, street view support, shortcodes etc. The pro version of the plugin comes with more than 200 readymade markers, mashup of all your maps, custom map widget etc.
2. Comprehensive Google Map Plugin
Unlike most other Google Maps plugins, this one does not have a premium version. That means you will be able to enjoy all the available benefits in this version. The plugin will create a new menu titled ‘Google Maps’ in your dashboard. Clicking on that link will take you to a documentation page. The page is divided into two tabs – Settings Explained and Shortcodes Explained. In the first tab, you will find detailed explanations of the various settings and options of the plugin. In the second tab, the available shortcodes are explained.
Comprehensive Google Map Plugin lets you create your custom shortcodes too. The plugin comes with around 300 custom markers. It is possible to show all the used markers in a mashup map. You can also allow the visitor to find out their GPS location and find directions to other places. By going to Google Map > Settings, you will be able to define various settings like enabling the shortcode builder under the post editor, hiding admin bar menu, setting the width and height automatically for mobile devices etc. The plugin also installs a custom widget named ‘AZ :: Google Map.’ You will find the widget in Appearance > Widgets.
3. Google Maps Widget
As the name suggests, this plugin adds a custom widget for displaying Google Maps in your website. Though the plugin deals with a widget only, I have found it as useful as other Google Maps plugins. After installing and activating the plugin, go to Appearance > Widgets. There, you will find a new widget titled ‘Google Maps Widget.’ Click on the widget and drag it to the location you want the map to appear.
In the widget, provide a title for the map. Then, in the ‘Address’ field, define the location of the map you want to show your visitors. Below the address field, you will find two separate settings sections for Thumbnail and Lightbox maps. When the visitor loads your website, he will see the thumbnail version. If the visitor clicks on the map, then a larger map will appear in a lightbox. However, you can also choose to provide a custom link for the map or disable the link entirely. You can define other aspects of the maps including the map size, map type, pin type, pin color, zoom level etc. from the widget screen. And then, there are options to display custom text above and below the map.
4. Pronamic Google Maps
Powered by Google Maps API V3, Pronamic Google Maps does not require any API key, which is its main advantage. Using the plugin is really easy too. After activating the plugin, you will find a new menu item named ‘Google Maps’ in your website dashboard. By going to Google Maps > General, you will find the settings area of the plugin. The super simple settings page lets you control on which places you want to enable the maps. Don’t forget to click the ‘Save changes’ button once you are done.
Now, you will find a new metabox titled ‘Google Maps’ in your post or page editor. First of all, check the ‘Show Google Maps’ box to display the map in the post/page. Then, provide a title and short description for the location. Your provided description will be used as the marker description too. Then, provide the address and click the ‘Geocode’ button. It is possible to drag and drop the marker to any location you want. Once you have found your desired location, choose the perfect zoom level and map type. The map will be displayed according to the settings you specify here. Besides the regular features, Pronamic Google Maps also supports custom post types and is provided with a few shortcodes.
5. CP Google Maps
CP Google Maps lets you add Google Maps in posts or pages in a simple way. However, unlike other similar plugins, this plugin does not create any new menu item in your website dashboard. Instead, you will find a new sub-menu titled ‘CodePeople Post Map’ under the ‘Settings’ menu. From that page, you will be able to define some basic settings like the zoom level, map width, height, margin, alignment, language, map type etc. Some of the options are blurred out, which means they are available in the commercial version of the plugin.
Now, if you go to the post editor page, you will find a new metabox for adding a Google Map in your post or page. In the beginning, you will find some basic instruction about adding a map. Then, in the ‘Map point description’ section, provide a short description about the location. It is possible to insert links in this field. You can also add an image for the location. The title, description and the image will be displayed to the visitor.
Next, provide the address and click the ‘Verify’ button. This will automatically find out the longitude and latitude of the location. Then, select a suitable marker from the available ones. And finally, click the ‘Insert the map tag’ button to insert the map into your post or page. This will include the shortcode for the map in the post body.
Conclusion
Okay, these were our picks for the 5 best Google Maps plugins for WordPress. Do you use any of them? Or maybe you are planning to use any of them. Whatever the case is, let us know which plugin you prefer and why.
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Nice looking plugin, thank’s for sharing! Your article is good, gives anice view about google maps plugins for WordPress. You may also like this collection I have mentioned below :
1. WP Google Maps
2. Leaflet Maps Marker
3. Interactive World Maps
4. Map List Pro
5. MapSVG
6. SB Multilingual Responsive Google Map with Styles
Nice plugin list, I would like to add this one in your list 😉
wordpress.org/plugins/agile-store-locator
You may also like WP MapIt