Glossary ​
Key terms you will encounter when working with Google Maps, Google Street View, and the WP Google Street View plugin.
A ​
API key ​
A unique identifier issued by Google Cloud Platform that authenticates your website's requests to the Google Maps JavaScript API. Required for WP Google Street View to function. See API setup guide.
Autocomplete ​
A feature of the Google Places API that suggests addresses as you type. WP Google Street View uses it in the admin editor to help you find locations quickly.
C ​
CPT (Custom Post Type) ​
A WordPress content type. WP Google Street View registers a custom post type called wpgsv to store map configurations. Each entry represents one map with its coordinates, type, style, and display options.
Coverage ​
The geographic areas where Google Street View imagery is available. Coverage varies by country and region. Not all streets or locations have panoramic imagery. Verify coverage on Google Maps by dropping the Pegman icon.
G ​
Geocoding ​
The process of converting a human-readable address (e.g., "123 Main Street, Montreal") into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). The Geocoding API handles this in the background when you enter an address in WP Google Street View.
Google Business Profile ​
Google's free listing service for businesses. When your business has Street View coverage, the imagery appears on your Google Business Profile in Maps and Search. Formerly known as Google My Business.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) ​
The cloud infrastructure where you create and manage your Google Maps API key. Access it at console.cloud.google.com.
Google Trusted Photographer ​
A certified professional photographer authorized by Google to capture 360° interior panoramas for businesses. These interior tours appear on Google Maps and can be embedded using WP Google Street View. Find photographers at google.com/streetview/contacts-tools.
H ​
Heading ​
The horizontal angle of the Street View camera, measured in degrees. 0° = North, 90° = East, 180° = South, 270° = West. You can control the initial heading in the WP Google Street View editor by dragging the panorama.
HTTP referrer restriction ​
A security setting on your Google API key that limits which domains can use it. You should add your website's domain to prevent unauthorized usage. See API key restrictions guide.
I ​
Info Box (Info Window) ​
A popup overlay attached to a map marker that displays information when clicked or hovered. In the Free version, it shows the address. The Pro version allows custom HTML content including images, links, and call-to-action buttons. See Info Box feature.
J ​
JSON-LD (JSON for Linked Data) ​
The format recommended by Google for structured data markup. WP Google Street View Pro generates LocalBusiness JSON-LD schema in your page's <head>. See LocalBusiness schema.
L ​
Layers ​
Additional data overlays on a Google Map. WP Google Street View Pro supports three layer types: Traffic (real-time road conditions), Bicycle (cycling infrastructure), and Transit (public transportation routes). See Layers feature.
LocalBusiness schema ​
A schema.org structured data type that describes a physical business. Includes name, address, phone, hours, coordinates, and price range. Used by Google to populate local search results and knowledge panels.
M ​
Maps JavaScript API ​
The core Google Maps API that renders interactive maps and Street View panoramas in the browser. This is the primary API used by WP Google Street View. It is counted as a "Dynamic Map" load in Google's billing.
Marker ​
A pin icon placed on a Google Map to indicate a specific location. WP Google Street View Pro allows custom marker icons uploaded from your WordPress Media Library. See Markers feature.
P ​
Panorama ​
A 360° photographic image that allows viewers to look in every direction from a single point. Google Street View panoramas are captured by specialized cameras mounted on cars, bikes, backpacks, or tripods.
Pegman ​
The small yellow human-shaped icon in Google Maps. Drag and drop Pegman onto a map to enter Street View mode. In the context of WP Google Street View, Pegman appears in the admin editor and on the front-end map (in synchronized view mode).
Pitch ​
The vertical angle of the Street View camera. 0° = horizon, positive values look up toward the sky, negative values look down toward the ground. Controlled by dragging up/down in the WP Google Street View editor.
Places API ​
A Google API that provides detailed information about places, including autocomplete suggestions, place details, and photos. WP Google Street View uses it for the address autocomplete field in the admin editor.
S ​
Shortcode ​
A WordPress feature that lets you embed dynamic content using a simple tag. WP Google Street View provides two shortcodes: [wpgsv id="X"] (references a saved map) and [wpgsv_map lat="" lng=""] (inline embed). See Shortcode basics.
Snazzy Maps ​
A community repository of free custom Google Maps styles at snazzymaps.com. You can copy any style's JSON and paste it into WP Google Street View Pro's custom style field. See Map styles feature.
Street View ​
Google's technology for providing interactive 360° panoramic views of streets, interiors, and landmarks worldwide. Launched in 2007, it now covers millions of miles of roads and thousands of business interiors.
Synchronized view ​
A WP Google Street View Pro feature that displays a Google Map panel and a Street View panel side by side. The two panels are linked: navigating in one automatically updates the other. See Synchronized view feature.
Z ​
Zoom (map) ​
The map zoom level, from 1 (world view) to 20 (building level). Higher values show more detail over a smaller area.
Zoom (Street View) ​
The field of view in Street View mode. 0 = widest angle, higher values = more zoomed in. Controlled by scrolling in the WP Google Street View editor.