Using google maps on Android Studio
Various apps require the use of maps in order to show the location in relation to other places in the globe, what a better way to do than to use google maps.
In this article I’m going to take you through the steps you can take to create a project using google maps.
Step 1: Create a google maps project
- Start by creating a new project on android studio and select the google maps activity.
2. Configure your project by giving it a name;
Step 2: Get an API Key for the project
After successfully creating the project a resource file, google_maps_api.xml, will automatically open if not, you can find it under resources, values (res/values).
This file contains directions on how to obtain the the API you'll use in the project.
1. In your project click to open the link I’ve highlighted /copy the link and paste it on your browser. It will lead you to the google cloud platform;
2. Select create a project and click on continue. The google cloud platform will enable the API.
3. Then click on the “Create API key” to get your API for the project.
4. After that it will show you your API key which you can copy and use in your project.
Step 3: Use the API key in your project
In the res/values/google_maps_api.xml you can paste the key , replacing “YOUR_KEY_HERE”.
Now we are all done, you can run the project to view your map whose coordinates automatically point to Sydney, Australia. It will look something like this;
Conclusion
Have fun and stay tuned, more articles coming up on how to manipulate your map’s makers and generally modifying the app.
