Open Google Cloud Console
Open Google Cloud Console and sign in with the Google account that should own the setup.
Google API setup (optional upgrade)
Connect Waybound Studio to Google Maps
A practical step-by-step guide to create the project, enable the right APIs, copy the key, and paste it into Waybound Studio.
This is optional
The free tier needs no Google key at all — it runs automatically on OpenRouteService, Trafikverket and Open Places. This guide is for anyone who wants to upgrade to Google's map, geocoding and place data instead.
- 1Create project
- 2Enable APIs
- 3Protect key
- 4Copy key
- 5Paste key
- 6Track costs
Before you start
With your own key, Waybound Studio uses Google Maps Platform for route calculations and place data. This guide documents the current version of Waybound Studio, so it enables Directions API, Distance Matrix API, Geocoding API, and Places API.
When the app later migrates to Google's newer Routes API, the documentation will be updated with a separate migration guide.
Direct links used in this guide
Google Cloud menus change often. This guide uses direct links so users do not have to search through the interface.
1. Create a Google Cloud project
Open the project picker
Click the project button in the top-left corner, for example My First Project. Then click New project.
Create the project
Use Route Planner as the project name and click Create.
Select the new project
When the project is ready, Google shows a notification. Click Select Project so Google Cloud works inside the Route Planner project.
2. Enable Google Maps APIs
The full process is shown once with Directions API. Repeat the same steps for the remaining three APIs.
Open API Library
Open API Library using the direct link below. Confirm that Route Planner is selected in the top-left corner.
Open API Libraryhttps://console.cloud.google.com/apis/library
Search for Directions API
Type Directions API in the search field and click the Directions API result.
Enable Directions API
Click Enable.
Accept EEA terms if shown
If Google shows an EEA dialog: type confirm and click Accept & continue.
Enable the remaining APIs
Repeat the exact same process in API Library for:
- Distance Matrix API
- Geocoding API
- Places API
Only the API name changes. The flow is otherwise identical.
3. Protect the API key
Google creates a key
After the first API is enabled, Google may automatically create a Maps Platform API Key. Choose Websites as the restriction type.
Add Waybound Studio as an allowed website
Enter Waybound Studio as the referrer:
https://wayboundstudio.com/*Then click Restrict key.
Confirm Maps Platform overview
After saving the restriction, Google usually returns to Google Maps Platform Overview.
4. Retrieve your Google Maps API key
Open Keys & Credentials
Go directly to Keys & Credentials. This page lists the API keys for the project.
Open Keys & Credentialshttps://console.cloud.google.com/google/maps-apis/credentials
Show and copy the key
Click Show key and then the copy icon. Never publish the key in plain text.
5. Add the key to Waybound Studio
Open the System menu
Open Waybound Studio and go to System. Then click System menu.
Paste the key
Paste the key into Google Maps API key and click Apply & save.
The key is stored only in your browser and is not sent to Waybound Studio servers.
Enable Google features
For best results, keep Use Google Directions and Use Google Places enabled.
- Use Google Directions gives more realistic route calculations.
- Use Google Places gives better place suggestions, stops, and destinations.
The switches can be turned off temporarily if you plan many trips and want to reduce Google API calls.
6. Track API usage and costs
Open Billing Reports
Google Cloud Billing Reports shows usage and costs over time. Use this page to monitor monthly cost, cost per API, and cost trends.
Open Billing Reportshttps://console.cloud.google.com/billing/reports
Installation complete
Waybound Studio is now connected to Google Maps Platform.
You can now calculate routes, search real places, monitor Google costs, and continue planning your first trip.