From WP Go Maps V10 we have separated map engines from the address provider systems. Address providers handle the address suggestions and geocoding (search). This allows you to mix your map engine with a different address provider, to better suit your needs/budget.
One example of this would be to use our Zero Cost mapping engine, with LocationIQ as your address provider. This allows you to provide more accurate address suggestions, with minimal cost implication on your project. This is also an important consideration as Nominatim includes very strict usage limits, which could mean that your address suggestions stop working if you over-use the Nominatim (free) address provider.
You can control this via our settings under Maps > Settings > Advanced > By changing the Address Provider option as preferred.
Note: If you select a different (Engine Default) address provider, you may need to also add a supplementary API key for the service provider you select.
List of Address Providers #
You can select from the following services to handle all address search and geocoding requests across your entire plugin instance:
- Engine Default (Recommended)
- Google Maps (Key Required)
- Azure Maps (Key Required)
- LocationIQ (Key Required)
- Nominatim (Free with usage restrictions)
Engine Default will match your address provider to your Map Engine meaning no additional setup is needed.
Alternative Providers will require a key in most cases, and this key must be provided for the service to function.
Nominatim does not require a key, but is subject to usage restrictions. We do not recommend using this option if you expect large amounts of traffic to your website.
Engine Default Comparison #
Here is a more details breakdown of which default is selected based on your Map Engine selection.
| Map Engine | Address Provider (Default) | Information |
| Google Maps | Google Maps | Requires key with Places and Geocoding API’s enabled |
| Azure Maps | Azure Maps | Requires key with correct linked resources |
| Stadia Maps | Nominatim | Usage limits apply. High traffic sites may need to consider alternative address provider. |
| MapTiler | Nominatim | Usage limits apply. High traffic sites may need to consider alternative address provider. |
| LocationIQ | LocationIQ | Requires key |
| Zero Cost | Nominatim | Usage limits apply. High traffic sites may need to consider alternative address provider. |
| Leaflet | Nominatim | Usage limits apply. High traffic sites may need to consider alternative address provider. |
| OpenLayers | Nominatim | Usage limits apply. High traffic sites may need to consider alternative address provider. |
Why Switch Address Providers #
The true power of this new system lies in its flexibility. You can choose one provider for visual map rendering and a completely different one for geocoding.
Map Engine (Visuals) ≠ Address Provider (Data)
Examples
- You chose Stadia Maps as your main map engine, because you love the look and feel of their map styles, but you prefer Google Maps for address suggestions because they are more accurate and reliable
- You use Zero Cost for you map engine, to reduce costs of your mapping solution, but your use LocationIQ for address suggestions because you have a High Traffic project that will be limited by the Nominatim usage restrictions.
You can mix and match providers based on which one offers the best pricing or the most accurate data for your target audience, giving you ultimate control over both the user experience and your budget.
