Use Google Maps

You do not need a Google account to get started. The process includes Google account and project creation, if needed. This option requires a billing account and payment method added to your Google account to complete configurations and use the algorithm.
However, Google MAP distance-based algorithm is recommended as more advanced and precise in comparison to Offline Calculation.

Step 1: Create the Google API key

The key is from the Google Maps Platform and should have Geocoding API and Distance Matrix API enabled. For details, see Configuring Distance Priority Algorithm.

  1. Visit Google Maps Platform and click Get Started.

  2. To enable the platform, select Maps, Routes, and Places and click Continue.

    Google Maps Platform for your Key

  3. Sign in with a Google account or create an account.

  4. Set up a project:

    • Select a project or enter a new project name.

    • To accept the terms, select Yes.

    • Click Next.

  5. Enter a billing account or create one. You can skip and add a billing account later.

    A billing account is required to use this service.

  6. To open and configure your Google Cloud Platform options, click Console.

  7. Expand the menu, click APIs & Services > Credentials, and copy the Google API Key.

    Google API Key Copy

Step 2: Configure the Google MAP Provider

  1. On the Admin sidebar, go to Stores > Settings > Configuration.

  2. In the left panel, expand Catalog and choose Inventory.

  3. Expand Expansion selector the Distance Provider for Distance Based SSA section and set Provider to Google MAP.

    Providers for Distance-Based SSA

  4. Expand Expansion selector the Google Distance Provider section and configure the settings:

    • For Google API Key, enter the key copied from your Google account.

    • For Computation mode, select a configuration.

      NOTE
      When using this algorithm for shipping, if routes and data do not return for the selected Computation mode (driving, bicycling, or walking) for a shipment, the SSA defaults to using the Source Priority. Setting the priority for sources per stock is recommended.
      OptionDescription
      Driving(Default) Requests standard driving directions using the road network.
      WalkingRequests walking directions using pedestrian paths and sidewalks (where available).
      BicyclingRequests bicycling directions using bicycle paths and preferred streets (where available). The Distance Matrix Service is only available in the US and some Canadian cities.
    • For Value, select a value type:

      OptionDescription
      Distance(Default) Returns the distance between points in metrics (kilometers and meters) or imperial (miles and feet).
      Time to DestinationReturns the time required to travel from the source locations to the shipping address in hours and minutes.

    Google Distance Provider

  5. When complete, click Save Config.

Use offline calculation

Offline calculations use country codes to determine the distance between the shipping destination and source addresses. This option may require developer assistance to configure. Use an Inventory Management CLI command to download and import data from geonames.org.

NOTE
Imported geocodes from [geonames.org][5] have limitations for some countries, such as Canada and Ireland. Refer to [GeoNames Postal Code files][6] for more information.

Step 1: Download and import geocodes

Complete command-line configuration to download and import geocodes countries to ship to and have source locations in. This step may require developer assistance for help with command-line tasks. Refer to Import geocodes.

Complete these commands anytime you want to add more geocodes.

Step 2: Set the calculation

  1. On the Admin sidebar, go to Stores > Settings > Configuration.

  2. In the left panel, expand Catalog and choose Inventory.

  3. Expand Expansion selector the Distance Provider for Distance Based SSA section.

  4. Deselect the Use system value checkbox and set Provider to Offline Calculation.

    Distance Providers for Distance Based SSA

  5. When complete, click Save Config.

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