Top Google Map Integration Add-ons for 2024
In the realm of WordPress plugins, several options stood out in 2022 for integrating Google Maps into websites. Two of the most notable were WP Go Maps and Otter Blocks, each offering unique features tailored to different needs.
WP Go Maps: The Dedicated Google Maps Solution
WP Go Maps, formerly known as WP Google Maps, is a plugin that shines for its detailed map customization options. It allows users to create multiple maps, customise markers with images and descriptions, and implement filtering and direction features. The plugin is particularly suited to store locators or multi-location businesses, thanks to its advanced block options and pro features like filtering [1].
Otter Blocks: A Versatile Gutenberg Block Library
Otter Blocks is a plugin that provides Google Maps as one of its block options within a broader Gutenberg block library. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want lightweight integration with flexible page design templates [3]. Otter Blocks caters to visually rich or animated sites, offering a range of templates and animations.
Other Notable Options
While not exclusively for Google Maps, several other plugins also deserve mention. Here's a quick look at some of the other top options:
- Maps Marker: A plugin that offers a simplified editor for frontend customisations, a large collection of icons, and the ability to insert maps into pages and posts using shortcodes.
- Store Locator (Google Maps) For WordPress: This plugin allows the creation of a map with three different template styles, displaying locations using accordion and list, and marker and marker cluster options.
- Google Maps Locator: A plugin that provides various map features, including drawing on the map, searching within a specific radius, and a dozen different map types.
- Hero Maps Premium: A plugin that offers responsive maps with professional-looking markers and various shapes for easy drag and drop on the map surface.
- WP Google Maps: A plugin that allows the creation of maps with lines, markers, and shapes for WordPress websites.
- WP Google Map Plugin: A plugin that offers a complete map solution with multiple map types and markers, allowing the addition of new locations and markers to groups.
- Simple Google Maps Shortcode: A plugin that allows for easy insertion of Google Maps on a WordPress website using shortcodes, with customisation options to modify maps using attributes and the ability to import and export maps.
- 10Web Google Maps: A plugin that allows the insertion of maps to pages of a WordPress website using shortcodes, with the ability to add markers and shapes, and support for rectangles and circles.
- Very Simple Google Maps: A plugin that embeds Google maps to a website using a single shortcode, with custom CSS for styling, linking map markers to Google listings, and easy customisation of layers and overlays.
Conclusion
While no explicit "best Google Map widget plugins for WordPress in 2022" lists were found in the current search results, WP Go Maps is widely recognised and heavily used in that category. If you're looking for a comprehensive, easy-to-use, and scalable Google Maps plugin for WordPress, WP Go Maps is a top recommendation. For simpler map embedding alongside other design blocks, Otter Blocks is a useful alternative.
[1] Source: WPGoMaps.com [3] Source: OtterBlocks.com
Smart-home devices such as voice assistants could potentially benefit from integrating these technology solutions, as WP Go Maps and Otter Blocks offer map customization options suitable for visual displays. In a smart-home setup, gadgets like digital photo frames could display map information more dynamically using the unique features provided by these plugins.
On the other hand, designers working on websites incorporating Google Maps might find it beneficial to explore additional plugins like Maps Marker, Store Locator (Google Maps) For WordPress, Google Maps Locator, or 10Web Google Maps. These plugins offer versatile options to suit various requirements, making them valuable gadgets for enhancing website functionality.
