Agile Store Locator supports both Google Maps and MapLibre, giving you the flexibility to choose how maps are displayed on your WordPress store locator.

You can continue using Google Maps with the Google Maps Platform, or choose MapLibre to use alternative map tile providers such as OpenStreetMap, Geoapify, Mapbox, and MapTiler.

MapLibre also supports custom map styles, making it possible to test free map tiles, connect another compatible tile provider, or use your own map infrastructure.

Google Maps vs MapLibre #

Google Maps and MapLibre can both display your store locations, but they work differently.

Feature	Google Maps	MapLibre
Map Engine	Google Maps	MapLibre
API Key	Required	Not required by MapLibre itself
Billing Account	Required for Google Maps Platform	Depends on the tile provider
Tile Provider	Google	Multiple providers
No-Key Map Option	No	Yes
Custom Style URL	Google map styling	Yes
Self-Hosted Maps	No	Possible with compatible tiles/styles
Address Search	Google Places	Configured separately

The main difference is that MapLibre is an open-source map rendering engine. It does not provide the map tiles itself.

When MapLibre is selected, you choose a Tile Provider that supplies the map data and styles.

How to Select Google Maps or MapLibre #

Go to:

WordPress Dashboard → Agile Store Locator → ASL Settings → Maps

Under Map Provider, locate the Map Vendor option.

You can choose:

• Google Maps
• MapLibre

Select the map vendor you want to use and save your settings.

Using Google Maps #

Choose Google Maps if you want to use the Google Maps Platform and Google-specific mapping features.

Google Maps requires a valid Google API Key. Depending on the Agile Store Locator features you use, you may also need Google services such as Places, Geocoding, and Directions.

Google Maps is a suitable choice when you need features such as:

• Google Places address search
• Google Advanced Markers
• Google map types and styles
• Google Directions
• Google Geocoding
• Google’s familiar map interface

If your Agile Store Locator is already configured with Google Maps, you can continue using your existing configuration.

Using MapLibre #

Choose MapLibre if you want an open-source map engine with more flexibility over where your maps come from.

MapLibre itself does not require an API key or Google Maps billing account.

However, MapLibre needs a Tile Provider to supply the actual map.

Agile Store Locator currently provides built-in support for several MapLibre tile providers.

MapLibre Tile Providers #

After selecting MapLibre as the Map Vendor, use the Tile Provider setting to select your map service.

Tile Provider	Built into ASL	API Key	Recommended Usage
OpenStreetMap	Yes	No	Testing and light interactive use
Geoapify	Yes	Yes	Managed map service
Mapbox	Yes	Yes	Managed map service
MapTiler	Yes	Yes	Managed MapLibre-compatible maps
Custom Style URL	Yes	Depends	Custom, third-party, or self-hosted maps

Each provider has its own usage limits, licensing requirements, attribution requirements, and pricing.

Always review the provider’s current terms before using its service on a production website.

Using OpenStreetMap #

The easiest way to test MapLibre is to select:

Map Vendor → MapLibre

and then:

Tile Provider → OpenStreetMap (No API Key)

No API key is required.

This makes OpenStreetMap convenient for testing your MapLibre configuration.

Important OpenStreetMap Usage Notice #

The public OpenStreetMap tile servers should not be treated as free commercial map hosting.

There is an important distinction between OpenStreetMap data and the public OpenStreetMap tile servers.

OpenStreetMap data is open and can be used according to its applicable license. However, the public tile servers are community-funded infrastructure with limited resources and no service-level agreement.

The OpenStreetMap Foundation’s Tile Usage Policy should therefore be reviewed before using its public tile infrastructure.

For production or higher-traffic commercial websites, we recommend using a dedicated tile provider such as Geoapify, Mapbox, MapTiler, OpenFreeMap, another compatible provider, or your own hosted tile infrastructure.

OpenStreetMap Tile Usage Policy:

https://operations.osmfoundation.org/policies/tiles/

Using Geoapify with MapLibre #

Geoapify provides hosted maps based on OpenStreetMap data and can be used with MapLibre.

To use it:

1. Select MapLibre as the Map Vendor.
2. Select Geoapify as the Tile Provider.
3. Enter your Geoapify API Key under API Credentials.
4. Select the available Map Style.
5. Save your settings.

Geoapify provides a free allowance as well as paid plans for larger usage.

You can create an account and obtain an API key from Geoapify.

https://www.geoapify.com/

Using Mapbox with MapLibre #

Mapbox can also supply maps for your MapLibre store locator.

To configure Mapbox:

1. Select MapLibre as the Map Vendor.
2. Select Mapbox as the Tile Provider.
3. Enter your Mapbox Access Token.
4. Select the preferred Map Style.
5. Save the settings.

A Mapbox access token is required.

https://www.mapbox.com/

Mapbox has its own free usage allowance, pricing, licensing, and usage limits. Check the current Mapbox terms before deploying it on a production website.

Using MapTiler with MapLibre #

MapTiler is directly supported as a MapLibre Tile Provider in Agile Store Locator.

To configure MapTiler:

1. Select MapLibre as the Map Vendor.
2. Select MapTiler as the Tile Provider.
3. Enter your MapTiler API Key under API Credentials.
4. Select your preferred Map Style.
5. Save the settings.

You can manage your MapTiler API keys here:

https://cloud.maptiler.com/account/keys/

MapTiler provides different map styles and usage plans. Review its current licensing and usage limits when choosing a plan for a commercial website.

Selecting a Map Style #

When using MapLibre, Agile Store Locator provides a Map Style setting under the Map Appearance section.

Go to:

ASL Settings → Maps → Map Appearance → Map Style

The available styles depend on the selected Tile Provider.

For example, a provider may offer light, street, dark, satellite, or other map styles.

The default option is:

Default Provider Style

Select a style that works well with your website and makes your store markers easy to identify.

Using the Style URL Override #

Agile Store Locator also provides an advanced Style URL Override option.

This allows you to provide a MapLibre-compatible Style JSON URL manually.

The Style URL Override takes priority over the selected provider preset.

A typical URL may look like:

https://maps.example.com/styles/store-locator/style.json

This is particularly useful when you want to:

• Test a MapLibre demo map
• Use OpenFreeMap
• Connect another MapLibre-compatible provider
• Use a custom map style
• Connect your own hosted map infrastructure

The Style URL can also contain placeholders such as:

{api_key}

or:

{access_token}

This allows authenticated custom map services to be configured without placing the actual credential directly inside the saved Style URL.

Free MapLibre Style URLs for Testing #

You can test MapLibre without creating a Google Maps API key by using a compatible public Style URL.

These URLs can be copied directly into the Style URL Override field.

MapLibre Demo Style #

The official MapLibre demo style is useful for testing whether MapLibre is working correctly.

Copy:

https://demotiles.maplibre.org/style.json

Then go to:

ASL Settings → Maps → Map Appearance → Style URL Override

Paste the URL and save your settings.

Important: The MapLibre demo tile service is intended for demonstration and testing. Do not rely on the demo service for a production or commercial store locator.

Free Maps with OpenFreeMap #

OpenFreeMap provides MapLibre-compatible maps based on OpenStreetMap data.

At the time of writing, its public service does not require registration or an API key.

This makes OpenFreeMap particularly useful if you want to run MapLibre without creating a Google Maps API key.

OpenFreeMap Liberty #

https://tiles.openfreemap.org/styles/liberty

Liberty is a detailed general-purpose map style that works well for store locators.

OpenFreeMap Positron #

https://tiles.openfreemap.org/styles/positron

Positron provides a clean and lighter map appearance that can help your store markers stand out.

OpenFreeMap Bright #

https://tiles.openfreemap.org/styles/bright

Bright provides a more traditional colorful map appearance with clearly visible roads and geographic features.

OpenFreeMap Dark #

https://tiles.openfreemap.org/styles/dark

Dark is suitable for websites and store locator designs that use a dark interface.

OpenFreeMap Fiord #

https://tiles.openfreemap.org/styles/fiord

Fiord provides another visual option for users who want a different map appearance.

To use one of these styles, copy its URL and paste it into:

ASL Settings → Maps → Map Appearance → Style URL Override

No API key is required for these OpenFreeMap public styles at the time of writing.

OpenFreeMap:

https://openfreemap.org/

Note: OpenFreeMap is an independent third-party service. Its availability, limits, terms, and policies can change. Review the provider’s current documentation before relying on the public service for a production website.

Using a Custom Style URL #

If your preferred map provider is not listed under Tile Provider, you may still be able to use it with Agile Store Locator.

Select:

Map Vendor → MapLibre

Then select:

Tile Provider → Custom Style URL

Provide a MapLibre-compatible Style JSON URL.

For example:

https://maps.example.com/styles/my-map/style.json

If the provider requires authentication, its Style URL may use a supported credential placeholder such as:

https://maps.example.com/styles/my-map/style.json?key={api_key}

The actual URL structure depends on your tile provider.

Always use the Style URL provided by the map service rather than assuming that its normal website URL or tile URL is a MapLibre Style JSON.

Quick MapLibre Test Without an API Key #

If you simply want to verify that MapLibre works with your Agile Store Locator installation, you can perform a quick test.

1. Go to Agile Store Locator → ASL Settings → Maps.
2. Select MapLibre under Map Vendor.
3. Locate Map Appearance.
4. Enter the following URL into Style URL Override:

https://demotiles.maplibre.org/style.json

5. Save the settings.
6. Open the page containing your Store Locator.

Your store locations should now be displayed using MapLibre.

Once your test is complete, select a suitable production tile provider.

Map Provider and Visitor Search Are Separate #

The service used to display the map does not necessarily have to be the same service used to search addresses.

Agile Store Locator separates these settings.

The Map Provider section determines which map engine and tile service display your locations.

The Visitor Search section determines what visitors can search and which address service provides search results.

This means, for example, that selecting MapLibre does not automatically require your address search to use the same Tile Provider.

This separation gives you greater control over both your maps and location search.

API Credentials #

The API Credentials section displays the credentials required by the map and search services you select.

Depending on your configuration, you may need credentials such as:

• Google API Key
• Google Server API Key
• Geoapify API Key
• Mapbox Access Token
• MapTiler API Key

If you select a service that does not require an API key, such as the OpenStreetMap testing option, you do not need to create an unnecessary map API key.

Which Map Provider Should You Choose? #

Choose Google Maps when you want the complete Google Maps ecosystem and Google-specific functionality.

Choose MapLibre + OpenStreetMap when you want a quick no-key setup for testing or light interactive use, while respecting the OpenStreetMap Tile Usage Policy.

Choose MapLibre + OpenFreeMap when you want to experiment with a hosted MapLibre-compatible map without an API key.

Choose MapLibre + Geoapify when you want a managed OpenStreetMap-based provider with map and geocoding services.

Choose MapLibre + MapTiler when you want a dedicated MapLibre-compatible provider with multiple professional map styles.

Choose MapLibre + Mapbox when you want to use Mapbox’s map infrastructure and styles.

Choose MapLibre + Custom Style URL when you want to use another compatible provider or your own hosted map infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions #

Can Agile Store Locator work without Google Maps? #

Yes. Select MapLibre as the Map Vendor and configure one of the supported Tile Providers. Google Maps is not required when your Store Locator is configured to use MapLibre.

Can I use Agile Store Locator without a Google Maps API key? #

Yes. MapLibre itself does not require a Google Maps API key. You can use a MapLibre tile provider instead.

Some MapLibre tile providers require their own API keys, while others can work without one.

Is MapLibre free? #

MapLibre is an open-source map rendering library.

However, the map tiles displayed by MapLibre come from a separate Tile Provider. That provider may be free, paid, self-hosted, or offer a combination of free and paid plans.

Does MapLibre provide map tiles? #

No. MapLibre renders the map in the browser, while a Tile Provider supplies the map tiles, vector data, styles, and related resources.

This is why Agile Store Locator provides separate Map Vendor and Tile Provider settings.

Which MapLibre tile providers are built into Agile Store Locator? #

Agile Store Locator currently includes:

• OpenStreetMap
• Geoapify
• Mapbox
• MapTiler
• Custom Style URL

You can select these from the Tile Provider setting after choosing MapLibre.

Can I use OpenStreetMap commercially? #

OpenStreetMap data is open and can be used according to its license. However, the public OpenStreetMap tile servers should not be treated as free commercial map hosting.

For a commercial or high-traffic Store Locator, use a suitable dedicated provider or your own tile infrastructure.

Can I use MapLibre without an API key? #

Yes. MapLibre itself does not require an API key.

For example, the MapLibre demo Style URL can be used for testing, and some third-party MapLibre-compatible services currently provide public maps without requiring an API key.

Can I use MapTiler with Agile Store Locator? #

Yes. MapTiler is directly available as a Tile Provider in Agile Store Locator.

Select MapLibre → MapTiler and enter your MapTiler API Key under API Credentials.

Can I use OpenFreeMap with Agile Store Locator? #

Yes. OpenFreeMap provides MapLibre-compatible Style URLs.

You can enter an OpenFreeMap Style URL using the Style URL Override or custom style configuration.

Can I use another MapLibre tile provider? #

Yes, provided that the service supplies a compatible MapLibre Style JSON.

Use Custom Style URL and enter the Style URL supplied by your provider.

Can I host my own maps? #

Yes. MapLibre makes self-hosted map infrastructure possible.

If your infrastructure exposes the required MapLibre-compatible styles and resources, you can connect it to Agile Store Locator using the custom Style URL functionality.

Do I need a credit card to use MapLibre? #

MapLibre itself does not require a credit card or billing account.

Whether billing information is required depends on the Tile Provider you select.

Can I switch from Google Maps to MapLibre? #

Yes. Go to ASL Settings → Maps → Map Provider and change the Map Vendor from Google Maps to MapLibre.

Then configure the appropriate Tile Provider, Map Style, and API Credentials for your MapLibre setup.