How to build Google Maps features in Bubble

The simple way to build Google Maps features in Bubble is to use Bubble’s built‑in Map element and Bubble’s Geographic address field type. Bubble already talks to Google Maps behind the scenes, so you don’t need the API Connector unless you want advanced features. You place a Map element, give it a list of Things that contain geographic addresses, and Bubble will show markers, allow centering, and let users pick locations.

Core Ideas You Actually Need

Bubble already includes Google Maps support. When you add a Geographic address field to your database, Bubble can store a full latitude/longitude point for you. The Map element can display one Thing or a list of Things, and you can customize marker captions using dynamic expressions. You can also let the user select a point by enabling “This map is clickable” and saving the clicked location.

• Searchbox with type “Geographic places” uses Google autocomplete.
• Map element can show markers from a search or repeating group.
• Current geographic position lets you center the map on the user.
• ‘Calculate distance’ operator works on geographic addresses.

How to Build a Basic Map Feature

Place a Map element on the page. Set its “List of markers” to a Search for Things that contain a geographic address. In a workflow, save the selected address from a Searchbox or the map click.

// Example: workflow action to save map click
Make changes to Thing
field address = Map A's clicked marker

If you want advanced features (polylines, directions API, etc.), those require the API Connector with Google Maps Platform, but basic markers, user location, and autocomplete work natively without setup.