Google API keys

RouteConverter can use Google's Maps services for finding places and for elevation lookups — each used only as a last resort, or when you select it explicitly in the configuration options, and only when a Google API key with billing enabled is configured. Without a key, RouteConverter simply skips Google and keeps using its open alternatives for everything.

Which Google APIs RouteConverter uses

• Maps JavaScript API — draws the map, when Google Maps is selected as the map source.
• Geocoding API — turns addresses into coordinates or coordinates into addresses; tried automatically as a last resort behind Mapsforge, Nominatim, Photon and GeoNames (see Find places and addresses), or usable directly if you select it explicitly.
• Maps Elevation API — looks up elevation; tried automatically as a last resort behind local elevation tiles and GeoNames (see Elevation data explained), or usable directly if you select it explicitly.
• Directions API — calculates routes; listed as an extra entry after BRouter and GraphHopper in Extras → Options → Routing (see BRouter and GraphHopper). Routing has no automatic fallback chain, so unlike geocoding and elevation, Google is only used when you select it there explicitly.

Create a key and enter it

1. Open the Google Cloud Console and create (or select) a project.
2. Enable the APIs listed above for that project.
3. Under Credentials, create an API key and copy it.
4. In RouteConverter, open Extras → Options → API Keys and paste the key.
5. In the Cloud Console, attach a billing account to the project.
6. Optional but recommended: set a billing budget and alert so you are notified of any usage.

Personal use stays well within Google's free monthly budget.