Geolocation in WP Maps enables the widget to determine a visitor’s physical location, allowing for personalized, location-based results. Whether you’re helping users find the nearest store or tailor map results based on their current position, geolocation brings powerful context to your map experience.
This feature is especially useful for store locator setups, service availability checkers, or any interactive map where relevance by proximity matters.
What These Options Do #
The Geolocation setting in WP Maps provides three modes of operation:
1. Disable #
This turns off geolocation completely. No attempt will be made to detect the user’s physical location.
Recommended when you don’t need personalized search results or are operating in regions with privacy constraints.
2. On Page Load #
When enabled, WP Maps will immediately attempt to detect the user’s location as soon as the page loads.
This can automatically center the map on the visitor’s location and pre-fill the search input with nearby results.
3. GeoJS API (Free) #
Instead of relying on the browser’s geolocation permission prompt, this option uses the GeoJS API to detect the user’s IP-based location.
This method works without asking for explicit browser permission, making it more user-friendly but potentially less accurate than GPS-based detection.
Benefits of Using Geolocation #
- Personalized Results – Show users what’s near them instantly.
- Faster Search – No need to manually enter a city or ZIP code.
- Flexible Privacy – Choose between IP-based (GeoJS) or GPS-based methods.
- Improved UX – Auto-centers maps and can pre-load store results nearby.
- Fallback Options – If one method fails, users can still use manual search.
How to Configure #
- Log in to your WP Maps account and click on the “Widgets” tab.
- Click on “ Install Widget”.
- Under the “Map Configuration” section, look for the Geolocation dropdown.
- Select your desired mode:
- Disable
- On Page Load
- GeoJS API (Free)
- Save your settings.
If you choose “On Page Load”, make sure your website uses HTTPS, as most browsers block geolocation on non-secure pages.
For any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
