# Google Map Directions for Divi

## Overview

Google Map Directions for Divi is a focused WordPress plugin for Divi websites that makes it easier to display a destination map and help visitors get driving directions to that location.

The plugin was built to keep the setup process simple while still offering practical front-end features. Instead of overloading the site owner with unnecessary map settings, it centers the experience around one clear workflow:

- set a Google Maps API key
- place a Divi module
- enter the destination address
- let visitors enter their own starting point and open Google Maps directions

## What The Plugin Does

Google Map Directions for Divi currently provides:

- A Divi Builder module for displaying a Google map from an address.
- A centralized plugin settings page for the Google Maps API key.
- A stable builder preview inside Divi.
- An interactive Google Map on the front end.
- Configurable zoom level.
- Optional mouse wheel scroll control.
- Optional touch interaction control.
- A centered front-end `Starting point` field over the map.
- A modern `Get Directions` button.
- Google Places autocomplete and autosuggest for the starting point field.
- One-click opening of Google Maps driving directions in a new tab.

## Current Public Version

Current version: `0.5.9`

Plugin name: `Google Map Directions for Divi`

Author: `Bartosz "Bart" Klemensowski`

Author URL: [https://skylandnj.com](https://skylandnj.com)

## Requirements

- WordPress `6.0+`
- PHP `7.4+`
- Divi Theme / Divi Builder
- A valid Google Maps API key

## Required Google APIs

To use the plugin fully, your Google Cloud project should have these enabled:

- Maps JavaScript API
- Geocoding API
- Places API

Google may require billing depending on your usage and Google Cloud configuration.

## Installation Instructions

1. Download the plugin package.
2. Upload the plugin folder to `/wp-content/plugins/` or install it from the WordPress admin.
3. Activate `Google Map Directions for Divi`.
4. Go to `Settings > Google Map Directions for Divi`.
5. Enter your Google Maps API key and save.
6. Open a page in Divi Builder.
7. Add the `Google Map Directions` module to your layout.
8. Enter the destination address in the module settings.
9. Adjust zoom, mouse wheel, and touch controls if needed.
10. Save the page and test the map on the front end.

## Front-End Visitor Experience

On the front end, visitors see:

- the map for your selected destination
- a centered `Starting point` input field
- autocomplete suggestions while typing
- a `Get Directions` button

When the user enters a starting point and clicks the button, Google Maps opens in a new tab with:

- the visitor’s typed starting point as the origin
- the module’s configured address as the destination
- driving mode preselected

## Why This Plugin Was Created

This plugin was created to provide a cleaner, simpler Google Maps experience inside Divi.

Many existing map solutions are either too complicated for common business use cases or too difficult to style cleanly in a Divi workflow. The goal of this plugin is to offer a more practical alternative:

- simpler setup
- a more focused feature set
- a better directions experience for visitors
- steady improvements without breaking what already works

## Best Use Cases

This plugin works especially well for:

- local businesses
- offices and clinics
- retail locations
- restaurants
- venues and event spaces
- service businesses
- agencies building Divi websites for clients

## Key Design Principles

The plugin was developed with these priorities in mind:

- Keep the Divi experience straightforward.
- Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Preserve working functionality while adding improvements incrementally.
- Focus on practical front-end value for real visitors.

## Changelog

### 0.5.9

- Added a distribution-ready plugin information file for public release pages.

### 0.5.8

- Removed the extra destination address field from plugin settings.
- Updated directions to use the Divi module address as the destination.

### 0.5.7

- Renamed the plugin to `Google Map Directions for Divi`.

### 0.5.6

- Added minimum WordPress and PHP version metadata.

### 0.5.5

- Added author attribution and author URL.
- Added attribution text to the plugin settings page.

### 0.5.4

- Added Google Places autocomplete for the front-end starting point field.

### 0.5.3

- Updated directions destination handling to use the mapped module address.

### 0.5.2

- Switched directions submission to direct Google Maps form behavior for better reliability.

### 0.5.1

- Improved directions action handling and fallback behavior.

### 0.5.0

- Introduced the Divi extension-style structure.
- Added interactive front-end map behavior.
- Added zoom and interaction controls.
- Added the centered directions interface.

### 0.1.0

- Initial plugin scaffold and Divi module foundation.

## Notes For A Distribution Page

If you publish this on a blog page, product page, or download page, it would be helpful to also include:

- screenshots of the front-end map and directions field
- a screenshot of the Divi module settings
- setup notes for Google API configuration
- a short FAQ
- support/contact details
- a note about possible Google API billing

## Suggested FAQ

### Does this plugin work without Divi?

No. This plugin is built specifically for Divi.

### Do I need a Google Maps API key?

Yes. The plugin requires a valid Google Maps API key.

### Does autocomplete require anything extra?

Yes. The Places API must be enabled in your Google Cloud project.

### Does the plugin calculate directions itself?

No. It sends the visitor to Google Maps with directions prefilled.

### Can I change the destination?

Yes. The destination comes from the address entered in the Divi module settings.

## Attribution

Created by Bartosz "Bart" Klemensowski  
[https://skylandnj.com](https://skylandnj.com)
