Your store locator uses a map provider to display the interactive map and handle location search. Storepoint works with Mapbox and Google Maps. Both are great choices with generous free tiers that cover most users.
Which Should I Choose?
Either one works great. Here's a quick comparison:
| Mapbox | Google Maps | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | ~5 minutes | ~10 minutes |
| Free tier | ~50,000 map loads/month | ~10,000 map loads/month |
| Default look | Modern, minimalist | Classic Google Maps |
| Setup guide | Set up Mapbox → | Set up Google Maps → |
Our recommendation: If you're not sure, start with Mapbox. It's quicker to set up and has higher free limits. You can always switch later if you prefer Google Maps.
Both providers offer generous free tiers. Unless you have very high traffic, you likely won't pay anything for map usage.
Get Started
Choose your provider and follow the step-by-step guide:
Mapbox
Simpler setup, higher free tier, modern map style.
Google Maps
The familiar Google Maps look and feel.
Each guide walks you through creating an account, getting your access key, and connecting it to Storepoint.
How Your API Key Is Used
When you connect a map provider, your locator uses your API key to make requests for maps and search. Here's what triggers usage on your account:
- Map loads - each time a visitor opens a page with your locator, the map loads
- Search suggestions - as someone types in the search bar, suggestions are fetched from the map provider
- Address lookups (geocoding) - when a search is submitted, the address is converted to map coordinates
For most store locators, map loads are the primary usage.
When setting up your map provider, you'll add your website URL to a list of allowed sites. This stops anyone else from using your key. Each setup guide walks you through this step.
Free Tier Details
Both providers offer generous free usage each month, enough for most store locators. These limits reset monthly, and both providers let you set spending limits so you're never surprised.
For current free tier limits and pricing, check each provider's pricing page:
Always check the provider's official pricing page for current rates and limits.
Need Help?
Not sure which to choose, or running into issues? Contact us and we'll help you get set up.