Google Maps and Cloud Vision¶
iopix uses OpenStreetMap by default, with nothing to set up. Google is optional.
Google Maps¶
- In the Google Cloud console, create an API key with the Map Tiles API and the Geocoding API enabled, and billing on.
- Restrict the key by HTTP referrer to your iopix address, because it reaches every browser.
- Paste it in Settings › Display › Map provider, or set
GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY.
The map then uses Google's tiles and satellite imagery, place search uses Google's geocoder, and "open in" links go to Google Maps. The key is stored in iopix's settings and never shown back. If Google refuses, iopix says so and falls back to OpenStreetMap.
A second key for the server¶
The searches iopix makes from the server (Geocoding, Places, Elevation, Cloud Vision) can use a separate key restricted by API and IP address. Enter it as the server key in the same setting, or GOOGLE_SERVER_KEY. Without one, the first key is used for both.
Street View¶
Street View opens in Google Maps in a new tab, or is embedded when the key has the Maps Embed API enabled.
Landmarks with Cloud Vision¶
With the Cloud Vision API enabled on a key Google accepts from a server, Suggest location can ask Google to recognise a landmark in a photo. Only a 1024-pixel preview of that one photo is sent, and only when you ask.
Without Google¶
- Place search uses OpenStreetMap's Nominatim through the server (only the typed text is sent, and results are cached), and the offline town list when there is no connection.
- Satellite imagery comes from Esri World Imagery.
- Altitude comes from Open-Meteo's terrain model.