Integrate Google Maps Autocomplete API in Laravel Easily

Implementing Google Maps Autocomplete in Laravel enhances address accuracy, speeds up form inputs and improves overall user satisfaction across various industry-specific web apps.

Key Points

Address input errors drop by 50% when using Autocomplete in Laravel-based form fields.
Autocomplete boosts checkout and booking speed by 30% in service-driven web applications.
Over 70% of users prefer smart address suggestions when filling forms or booking online.

Introduction

In modern digital ecosystems, location intelligence plays a crucial role in enhancing user experience and streamlining input processes. Whether it’s a ride-hailing app, a hotel booking platform, a logistics dashboard, or a local directory service, allowing users to easily enter location data is an essential feature. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is through Google Maps Autocomplete.

This tutorial shows how to implement the Google Maps Autocomplete API in a Laravel project, which is an important skill for businesses investing in their ventures.

Step 1: Get Google Maps API Key

To integrate Google Maps Autocomplete into your Laravel application, you’ll first need access to the relevant APIs via Google Cloud.

Go to Google Cloud Console

Start by navigating to https://console.cloud.google.com/ and logging in with your Google account. The Google Cloud Console serves as the main dashboard for all API and cloud configurations.

Create or Select a Project

If you're working on a new Laravel-based platform, you can either create a new project or select an existing one. Creating a project gives you a container for your API credentials and billing configuration, an important part of any scalable custom web development project.

Enable Required APIs

Once your project is selected, go to the API Library. You must enable the following two APIs:

Maps JavaScript API: This API is necessary for rendering maps and related scripts on your front-end.

Places API: This is the core service that enables the Autocomplete functionality for addresses.

Enable both APIs to ensure your application can provide accurate and intuitive location suggestions.

Generate an API Key

Next, head to Credentials under APIs & Services. Click on “Create Credentials” and select “API Key.” Copy the key and keep it secure. You’ll use this key to authorize your Laravel app’s interaction with Google’s services.

For businesses offering or availing website development services, securing and properly managing API keys is crucial to maintain application security and scalability.

Step 2: Add the API Key in .env

Once you've obtained your API key, you need to store it securely within your Laravel application.

Edit your .env file as follows:

GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

Laravel follows the best practices of custom web development by using the .env file to manage sensitive configuration data. This keeps your credentials hidden from the source code.

Now, make the key available in your services.php configuration:

                                        // config/services.php
return [
   // ...
   'google_maps' => [
       'api_key' => env('GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY'),
   ],
];

This setup ensures that the Google Maps key can be accessed using config('services.google_maps.api_key') from anywhere in your application. Companies looking to hire php developers often seek professionals who understand how to securely manage API keys and third-party integrations.

Step 3: Create a View with an Input Field

To demonstrate the Autocomplete feature, create a dedicated Blade view template with a simple input field.

Create the file at resources/views/location.blade.php and insert the following HTML:

                                        <!-- resources/views/location.blade.php -->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
   <title>Google Maps Autocomplete</title>
</head>
<body>
   <h2>Address Autocomplete</h2>
   <input id="autocomplete" type="text" placeholder="Enter your address" style="width: 300px; padding: 8px;" />


   <script
       src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key={{ config('services.google_maps.api_key') }}&libraries=places"
       async
       defer>
   </script>
  
   <script>
       function initAutocomplete() {
           const input = document.getElementById('autocomplete');
           const autocomplete = new google.maps.places.Autocomplete(input);
       }


       window.initAutocomplete = initAutocomplete;
   </script>


   <script>
       // Initialize Google Maps once the script loads
       window.onload = function () {
           if (typeof google !== 'undefined') {
               initAutocomplete();
           }
       };
   </script>
</body>
</html>

This lightweight HTML structure adds a dynamic input field to your Laravel project. The JavaScript code initializes Google Places Autocomplete to suggest addresses as users type, improving form usability, a common requirement in modern website development services.

Step 4: Create a Route and Controller Method

Now connect your view to a Laravel route and controller method.

Add the following route to routes/web.php:

                                        // routes/web.php
use App\Http\Controllers\LocationController;
Route::get('/location', [LocationController::class, 'index']);

Then create the controller:

                                        // app/Http/Controllers/LocationController.php
namespace App\Http\Controllers;


use Illuminate\Http\Request;


class LocationController extends Controller
{
   public function index()
   {
       return view('location');
   }
}

By accessing the location, your Laravel application will display the autocomplete-enabled input field. This integration demonstrates the flexibility of Laravel and why many businesses prefer to hire laravel developers for custom projects that require rapid feature implementation.

Optional: Retrieve Selected Address Components

Often, you may want more than just the full address string. You might need to capture individual parts like the city, state, or country for storage or filtering.

Modify your JavaScript inside the Blade view as follows:

                                        <script>
   autocomplete.addListener('place_changed', function () {
   const place = autocomplete.getPlace();
   console.log('Selected place:', place);


   if (place.address_components) {
       place.address_components.forEach(function (component) {
           const types = component.types;
           if (types.includes('locality')) {
               console.log('City:', component.long_name);
           }
           if (types.includes('administrative_area_level_1')) {
               console.log('State:', component.long_name);
           }
           if (types.includes('country')) {
               console.log('Country:', component.long_name);
           }
       });
   }
});


</script>

Capturing address components is especially useful in applications such as hotel bookings, cab services, and real estate listings, features that are often included in custom web development projects.

Final Words

Integrating the Google Maps Autocomplete API in Laravel provides a powerful, user-friendly solution for enhancing address input accuracy in your web applications. Whether you’re developing a logistics platform, an e-commerce site, or a location-based service, this functionality adds professionalism and convenience.

Want to expand your project further? You can build on this setup with Google’s Geocoding API for coordinates, the Directions API for routing, or even integrate it into mobile apps. The possibilities are vast, especially when combined with the flexibility and power of Laravel. Need assistance with building or upgrading your Laravel project? Collaborate with experts in custom web development to bring your vision to life.