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Category: Utility Type: Integration

Overview

The Google Maps Node allows your workflow to connect with Google Maps services and retrieve various location-based data or features. This can include operations such as finding routes, geocoding addresses, fetching nearby places, or analyzing map data, depending on the selected option. It serves as a convenient bridge between your workflow and Google Maps functionalities without requiring direct API setup or code.

Description

The Google Maps Node enables you to use features of Google Maps within your workflow. You can select a specific function (like “get directions”, “find nearby places”, or “get distance”) through the option parameter. Once executed, this node interacts with Google Maps and returns structured results such as processing time, count, and a unique identifier for the request. It’s ideal for automating tasks that involve location lookup, distance calculation, travel planning, or region-based analysis.

Input Parameters

The Google Maps Node accepts the following input parameters:
  • option (string, required) Defines which Google Maps feature or function you want to perform. Examples:
    • "geocode" – Convert address to coordinates.
    • "reverse-geocode" – Convert coordinates to an address.
    • "get-directions" – Retrieve route details between two points.
    • "get-distance" – Calculate travel distance and duration.
    • "nearby-search" – Find nearby locations or landmarks.
Notes:
  • The value must be one of the supported options available in the integration.
  • The input must be clear and relevant to the desired operation (for example, “get-distance” requires location data).

Output Parameters

The node returns key details about the operation, which help in identifying and processing the result.
  • processingCount (number) The number of items or results processed in the Google Maps request.
  • processingTime (string) The total time taken to complete the Google Maps operation, expressed in an ISO timestamp or duration format.
  • processingId (string) A unique identifier assigned to this specific Google Maps request, useful for debugging or tracking.

Output Type

Output Type: Text (Structured JSON Result) The output of this node is returned as structured text in JSON format, which may include location details, travel times, or place information depending on the option used. Downstream nodes can access these outputs using variables like:
{{googleMaps.output.processingCount}}
{{googleMaps.output.processingTime}}
{{googleMaps.output.processingId}}

Example Usage

Example 1: Get Coordinates from an Address

{
  "option": "geocode"
}
Expected Output:
{
  "processingCount": 1,
  "processingTime": "2025-10-27T11:22:00Z",
  "processingId": "gmaps-req-98213"
}

Example 2: Calculate Distance Between Two Points

{
  "option": "get-distance"
}
Expected Output:
{
  "processingCount": 1,
  "processingTime": "2025-10-27T11:23:00Z",
  "processingId": "gmaps-req-12478"
}

How to Use in a No-Code Workflow

  1. Add the Google Maps Node
    • Drag and drop the Google Maps Node into your workflow under the “Utility” category.
  2. Set the Option
    • In the node settings, specify what you want Google Maps to do by entering a value in the option field (e.g., "get-distance").
  3. Provide Supporting Data
    • If your selected option requires input (like addresses or coordinates), use previous nodes to supply those values.
  4. Connect to Downstream Nodes
    • Pass the extracted or computed map information to another node (for example, display distance results in an email or store them in a database).
  5. Test the Workflow
    • Run a test to verify that the Google Maps node executes correctly and returns the expected details.

Best Practices

  • Always double-check the option value to ensure it matches the operation you intend to perform.
  • Combine this node with input nodes (like form submissions or database fetches) to dynamically provide location data.
  • Use the returned processingId for troubleshooting or tracking multiple map-related requests.
  • Ensure that your workflow has the necessary permissions or API access to interact with Google Maps services.
  • Use descriptive naming conventions for map-related nodes (e.g., “Get Office Distance” or “Locate Delivery Area”).

Common Errors

  • “Missing option” Cause: The option parameter was not provided. Solution: Always specify a valid Google Maps function (e.g., "geocode").
  • “Invalid option value” Cause: The selected option is not supported. Solution: Use one of the predefined supported values.
  • “Request failed” Cause: The Google Maps API could not process the request due to invalid or missing data. Solution: Verify that all required fields (like address or coordinates) are provided.
  • “API connection error” Cause: Network or API authentication issues. Solution: Check your API configuration or reconnect the Google Maps service.