How to Activate a Google Overlay Tour in GoThru

Syafriko Yuliusman -

This tutorial explains how to activate Google Overlay tours in GoThru by creating and connecting a Google Maps JavaScript API key. Once completed, you’ll be able to use Google Maps as an overlay inside your GoThru tours.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

  • A Google account
  • Access to Google Cloud Console
  • A valid credit card (required by Google, even for the free tier)
  • Access to your GoThru account

Google Overlay tours require the Maps JavaScript API, which must be enabled and billed through Google Cloud.

Step 1: Create a Google Cloud Project

  1. Go to Google Cloud Console: https://console.developers.google.com
  2. Accept Google’s Terms of Service if prompted.
  3. Click Create Project.

4.Google will generate a project name automatically.

    • You may rename it to something like “GoThru Overlay” for clarity.

5.Click Create to finish setting up the project.

Step 2: Enable Maps JavaScript API

  1. Inside your new project, click Library.
  1. Search for Maps JavaScript API.
  1. Click on Maps JavaScript API from the results.
  1. Click Enable.

This activates the API required for Google Overlay tours.

Step 3: Create an API Key

  1. Go to APIs & Services → Credentials.
  2. Click Create credentials.
  3. Select API key.
  4. Google will generate a new API key.

Step 4: Restrict the API Key (Required)

To keep your key secure and compatible with GoThru:

  1. Click on the newly created API key.
  2. Add a name for the key (for example: GoThru Overlay Key).
  3. Under Application restrictions, select:
    • HTTP referrers (web sites)
  1. Add the following referrer:https://tourmkr.com/*
  2. Click Save.

Restricting the key prevents unauthorized use and is strongly recommended.

Step 5: Enable Billing (Required by Google)

Google requires billing to be enabled even if usage stays within the free tier.

  1. Click Billing in the left menu.
  1. Click Link a billing account.
  1. Select Create Billing Account.
  1. Accept the Terms and Conditions.
  1. Fill in your address details.
  1. Enter your credit card information.
  2. Click Start My Free Trial.

Step 6: Copy Your API Key

  1. Go back to APIs & Services → Credentials.
  2. Locate your Maps JavaScript API key.
  3. Copy the API key.

Step 7: Add the API Key to GoThru

  1. Log in to your GoThru account.
  2. Go to Account Settings.
  3. Open Maps JavaScript API settings.
  1. Paste the API key.
  2. Give the key a name for identification.
  3. Click Save.

Step 8: Activate the Google Overlay Tour in GoThru

After adding the API key, you still need to activate it for your virtual tour.

  1. Open the tour you want to use with Google Overlay.
  2. Go to Virtual Tour Manager from the left-side menu.
  3. Scroll down to Street View Virtual Tour.
  4. The API key you added earlier will appear in the list.
  5. Click Activate to enable the Google Overlay tour.

Once activated, the Google Maps overlay will be available for that tour.

You’re Done 

Your Google Maps JavaScript API is now successfully linked to GoThru. You can start using Google Overlay tours immediately.

Important Notes

  • You can add multiple Maps JavaScript API keys to GoThru.
  • Each key can be used for different projects or clients.
  • Make sure billing remains active to avoid interruptions.

Key Takeaway

To activate Google Overlay tours in GoThru:

  1. Create a Google Cloud project
  2. Enable Maps JavaScript API
  3. Create and restrict an API key
  4. Enable billing
  5. Add the API key to GoThru

Once completed, Google Overlay functionality will be available in your tours.