Configuration - Maps

Working of Maps

The Maps feature in Vtiger might look tricky, but you will realize that it is really a simple process once you understand it. So let us start from scratch.

Firstly, you need to know what Maps can do. Vtiger provides the following map-related features:

• Search for an address from the map view in the app.
• View nearby contacts in the app.
• Provide check-in with geofencing for onsite meetings. 

Secondly, to deliver these features, Vtiger converts the street address in Contact, Organization, and Lead records to latitude and longitude values. This process is referred to as Geocoding. Through geocoding, Maps will take you to your preferred location.

Using Maps in the CRM

Vtiger supports two location services that enable you to reach your destination smoothly. They are: 

1. OpenStreetMap - It is used to search for addresses and get the geocode of an address to store in the database (The geocode shows nearby contacts from any given Contact or Organization record).
2. Google Maps - It performs the same tasks as OpenStreetMaps but is more accurate.

By default, Vtiger uses OpenStreetMaps (free service) to get the latitude and longitude values.  

If you wish to use Google Maps instead of OpenStreetMaps, you can opt for it in the CRM settings.

Limits for Geocoding

• OpenStreetMap - 10,000 addresses per day.
• Google Maps - 40,000 addresses per month. You get $200 per month free credit. Any usage over that will be chargeable. To know more about Google Maps’ pricing, click here.

Follow these steps to enable Google maps in Vtiger CRM:

1. Sign in to your Vtiger account.
2. Click the User Menu on the top right corner of the screen.
3. Click the Settings button.
4. Go to the Configuration section.
5. Click Maps.
6. Here you will see two radio buttons - OpenStreetMap and Google Maps. By default, OpenStreetMaps is selected.
7. Select Google Maps. 
8. Click Yes.

1. Enter the API key that is available in the Google APIs and Services dashboard.
2. Enter the frequency of generating a report in the Send GeoCode Report field. It can be:
   • Do Not Send
   • Daily
   • Every Monday 
   • First Day of the Month

Configuring Google APIs

If you want better search results and accurate addresses of your contacts, you can switch to Google Maps. Before activating Google Maps, you have to first register for a Google Maps API key. 

Follow these steps to get the API key:

Step 1: Logging into Google API

1. Click here to go to the Google APIs dashboard.
2. Sign in using your Google account.
3. Agree to all the terms and conditions.

You are logged in to your Google Cloud Platform.

To enable Google APIs, you must select an existing project or create a new project.

Step 2: Creating a Project

4. Click the Create Project button on the dashboard.
5. Enter the Project name, Organization name, and location of the organization.
6. Click the Create button.

A new project is created.

Step 3: Enabling Google APIs

7. Click the Navigation Menu icon on the top left corner of the screen.
8. Select the APIs & Services option.
9. Click the +ENABLE APIS AND SERVICES button on the dashboard.
10. Search for Geocoding API.
11. Click Geocoding API.
12. Click the ENABLE button.
13. Follow the steps 10, 11, and 12 to enable the other two APIs - Maps JavaScript API and Places API.

Step 4: Creating the Credentials

14. Click the Navigation Menu icon on the top left corner of the screen.
15. Select the APIs & Services option.
16. Click Credentials in the left menu.
17. Click the +CREATE CREDENTIALS button. You need credentials to use the API.
18. Click the API key option.
19. A pop up saying ‘API key created’ will be displayed.
20. Click the Copy icon beside the API key and copy it.
21. Click CLOSE.
    •  Click RESTRICT KEY to prevent unauthorized use on your key.

You must enter the API Key details in Vtiger CRM’s Maps Settings to finish the configuration.

Generating Geocoding Reports

Did you know you can view geocoding reports for the Leads, Contacts, and Organizations modules?

Yes, Vtiger CRM provides you an option to do so. You can either enable report delivery or check the reports in Maps settings to generate reports.

Follow these steps to view the reports in Vtiger CRM:

1. Sign in to your account.
2. Click the User Menu on the top right corner of the screen.
3. Click the Settings button.
4. Go to the Configuration section.
5. Click Maps.
6. Click the View Geocoding Report button. The reports of Contacts, Organizations, and Leads are displayed.
7. Click the Hamburger icon to print the report or save it as an image.