API keys act as a bridge between applications and external services, enabling them to communicate effectively. In the case of Ascendix Search, an API key is used to access Google Maps services for mapping records. If this key is invalid, it can lead to records not displaying on the map. The challenge, however, lies in identifying what specifically is wrong with the API key.
Frustratingly, there are instances where no error messages are provided to indicate that the API key is invalid. This leaves users in a state of uncertainty, wondering whether the problem lies with the API key or elsewhere.
We have a small tip that will help you find out the issue by following these steps:
- Create a File. Open Notepad or any plain text editor of your choice.
- Copy and paste the following HTML code into the editor:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Google Maps API Test</title>
<script src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=YourAPIKey=initMap" async defer></script>
</head>
<body>
<div id="map"></div>
<script>
function initMap() {
var map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById('map'), {
center: {lat: -34.397, lng: 150.644},
zoom: 8
});
}
</script>
</body>
</html>
- In the fifth row of the code, replace YourAPIKey with your actual Google Maps API key.
- Save the file with an .html extension, for example, "api_key_test.html."
- Double-click the saved HTML file to open it in your web browser.
- To access developer tools, right-click anywhere on the page and select "Inspect" or "Inspect Element" to open the browser's developer tools.
- Navigate to the "Console" tab. Here, you will find any errors or messages related to your API key.
The browser console is a powerful tool that provides developers with valuable insights into the behavior of web pages. In this case, it can help you identify issues with your Google Maps API key. When you open the console, it will display any errors or warnings related to the API key.
For instance, if your key has expired, the console will inform you of this issue, allowing you to take appropriate action to renew or replace the key.
While encountering an expired API key may not be an everyday occurrence, having this simple diagnostic method at your disposal can prove invaluable when troubleshooting mapping issues in Ascendix Search or any other application reliant on Google Maps.