How to add Google Maps to your business app

Most business apps need one of three things from a map: a button that opens directions to your shop, a list of addresses that each open in Google Maps, or a map inside the app with pins on it. AppCub can do all three; live tracking is the one thing it does not do.

Updated 2026-11-09

Three ways to use maps in an app

A Directions button: opens Google Maps on the phone with your place, ready to navigate. Good for a salon, clinic or coaching app that customers install.
A Maps button on each record: every customer, delivery, site or property in a list opens its own location in Google Maps. Good for tiffin deliveries, service visits and property listings.
A map inside the app with pins: all your branches, sites or delivery addresses shown together. This map is drawn from open map data, not Google Maps, and each pin can open directions in Google Maps.

Using the phone's location

An AppCub app can read the phone's location while the app is open, after the person allows it. That is useful for saving where a site visit happened, showing places near you on the map, or filling in a delivery address.

It cannot follow a phone in the background, show a delivery boy moving on a map, or give turn-by-turn directions inside the app. For directions, the app hands over to Google Maps, which is already on most phones.

Getting good map links

Open your place in Google Maps, tap Share and copy the link; this is more exact than an address in words
For customers' homes, ask them to send their location on WhatsApp once, then save the link in the app
Keep the address in words too: landmark, floor, gate. Delivery staff need both
If you have branches, give each one its own link and timings

Common mistakes

Saving only a pin code or area name: the map then opens at the middle of the area, not the door
Asking for live tracking of staff: an AppCub app does not do it; ask staff to share live location on WhatsApp if needed
Testing location in the web preview: the phone's location and camera are tested on the installed app

With AppCub

Describe it in the chat, for example: "On each delivery in today's list, add a Maps button that opens the customer's saved location, and a map screen with all of today's deliveries as pins." AppCub shows the screens in the plan before building. Scan the QR code next to the chat to install the app and try the buttons on your phone.

Questions

Can my app show a map with all my customers?

Yes, as pins on a map inside the app. Each pin can open that place in Google Maps for directions.

Is the map inside the app Google Maps?

No. The map inside the app is drawn from open map data. Directions buttons open the real Google Maps app.

Can I track my delivery staff live?

No. The app can read the phone's location only while it is open, and does not do live tracking.

Can the app find places near the customer?

It can read the phone's location while the app is open, with permission, and show nearby places from your own list.

Do I need a Google Maps key?

Not for Directions buttons; they use ordinary Google Maps links. The map inside the app does not use Google Maps.

Will staff see the same saved locations on their phones?

Only if the data is shared. Connect your own Supabase database from the chat so every phone sees the same list.

Make yours with AppCub

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