Required System-Wide Initialization
Because GeoType uses the GoogleMap methods and data, it requires a special authentication key
for access to that data. The steps described on this page show how to set the key at the system-wide
level. You will need Administrative privileges to modify the settings, but this key
should not be changed often.
Reasons for modifying GoogleMaps API Key:
- This is a first-time installation or API key isn't present
- The key was created for the wrong domain name
The GoogleMaps API key shouldn't be modified for any other reason, since other blogs may
depend on its presence.
Special Blog-specific URL note:
- If this key is set at the system-wide level and owned to www.blogname.com, all subsequent blogs that build off of www.blogname.com will inherit the key and should function with GoogleMaps normally. However, if a particular blog does not build to a folder branching off from www.blogname.com, follow the steps for Blog-Level Configuration.
Figure 1
The System-wide Plugin Settings page in Movable Type.
Figure 2
Default GoogleMaps API value for GeoType.
Steps for Creating A New Google API Key at the System-Wide Level
Viewing GeoType Plugin Settings
- While logged in to Movable Type, access the main menu by clicking the 'MAIN MENU' link at the very top of any page.
- Click on 'Plugins' in the list of System Shortcuts on the right portion of the page.
- Here you'll see an alphabetical listing of all Movable Type plugins installed [ Figure 1 ]. Scroll down to the GeoType plugin and click on 'Show Settings'.
- If this is the first time configuring GeoType, you'll see the GoogleMaps API Key filled with the default text "GOOGLE_API_KEY". [ Figure 2 ]
Obtaining a new GoogleMaps API Key
- To get a new key, click on the 'GoogleMaps API Registration' link from the system-level plugin settings of GeoType. That link is also available here.
- Read through Google's terms of service, check the box to agree, and enter the domain name for your website (not its IP address). This key will work for all urls that begin with your domain name, so if your domain is www.yoursite.com, the maps will work for www.yoursite.com/blogA/ and www.yoursite.com/index.html .
- Check the 'Generate API Key' button at the bottom.
- The google page should now display your key in a yellow box. It's a long string of upper and lower-cased letters, numbers, and underscores.
Saving The GoogleMaps API Key into GeoType
- Copy the entire GoogleMaps API Key and paste it into the Google API Key field in the system-wide settings of GeoType in Movable Type.
- Click 'Save Changes'.