=== GeoVerse Maps – Google Maps Block for WordPress ===
Contributors: wpxero
Tags: google maps, gutenberg, store locator, map block, local seo
Requires at least: 6.1
Tested up to: 7.0
Stable tag: 1.5.1
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GPL v2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Donate Link: https://wpxero.com/pricing/

Add a Google Maps block to any post or page — no API key required to start. Custom markers, map styles, directions, and a built-in store locator.

== Description ==

GeoVerse Maps adds a real Google Maps block to the WordPress block editor. Drop it into a post or page, search for your address, and you have a working map — no Google Cloud console, no API key, and nothing to configure just to get a location on the page.

When you're ready for more, add a free Google Maps API key (it takes a couple of minutes) and the rest of the plugin opens up: custom marker icons, color-coded map themes, a location search box, turn-by-turn directions, live traffic and transit layers, and a filterable list view for sites with more than a couple of pins on the map.

It's built for people who need a **Google Maps Gutenberg block** that just works — store locators, contact pages, real estate listings, restaurant "find us" pages, or any site where showing *where you are* actually matters for local SEO.

= Why people use it =

* **You don't need an API key to get started.** Most Google Maps plugins send you straight to the Google Cloud billing console before you see anything. GeoVerse Maps shows a working embedded map out of the box, and upgrades cleanly once you do add a key.
* **It's a native block, not a shortcode.** Everything lives inside the block editor — align it, resize it, style it like any other block. No shortcode syntax to remember, no page-builder lock-in.
* **It scales from one pin to a full store locator.** Add as many markers as you need, group them by category, and let visitors filter, search, and get directions without leaving the page.
* **It's built with local SEO in mind.** Clean markup, fast-loading assets that only load on pages where the block is actually used, and a clear presentation of your address that both visitors and search engines can read.
* **It's responsive by default.** Maps resize properly on phones and tablets without any extra CSS from you.

= Who it's for =

* **Local businesses** — shops, clinics, offices, and agencies with one location or several.
* **Restaurants, hotels, and venues** that need a clear "find us" page.
* **Real estate and travel sites** showing property locations or destination context.
* **Multi-location brands** that need a proper store locator with filtering.
* **Agencies** building client sites who want a map block that doesn't require explaining API keys to every client.

= What's included =

* A native Google Maps block for the WordPress block editor
* Custom marker icons, with unlimited markers per map
* Multiple map style presets (or paste your own custom style JSON)
* Info windows with rich text — hours, phone numbers, links, short descriptions
* A visitor-facing location search box
* Marker categories with front-end filtering
* Turn-by-turn "Get Directions" from the visitor's location
* Optional traffic, transit, and bicycling map layers
* A clickable marker list view alongside or below the map, for longer location lists
* Fullscreen mode and responsive height controls
* The Google Maps API key can be set right from the block's own settings panel, or from one central settings screen

== Installation ==

= From the WordPress admin =

1. Go to **Plugins → Add New**.
2. Search for "GeoVerse Maps".
3. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**.

= Manual upload =

1. Upload the plugin folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`.
2. Activate it from the **Plugins** screen.

= Adding your first map =

1. Edit a post or page in the block editor.
2. Click the block inserter (+) and search for "GeoVerse Maps" or "map".
3. Insert the block, then set the location. Add markers, pick a style, and turn on search, filters, or directions if you want them.
4. Publish or update the page.

If you want markers, custom styles, search, directions, or map layers, add a Google Maps API key first — either from the block's own "API Key" panel in the editor, or from **Settings → GeoVerse Maps**. Without a key, the block still works as a simple embedded map.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Do I need a Google Maps API key? =

Not to get started. Without one, GeoVerse Maps shows a basic embedded map for your chosen location. Add a key when you want markers, custom styles, search, directions, filters, or map layers — Google's API key setup is free for typical usage on most sites.

= Is this a Gutenberg / block editor plugin? =

Yes. Maps are added as a native block inside the WordPress block editor — no shortcodes, no separate plugin settings you have to hunt for.

= Can I show multiple locations, like a store locator? =

Yes. Add as many markers as you need on one map, and optionally group them into categories so visitors can filter to just the locations they care about.

= Can visitors get directions to a location? =

Yes, once an API key is configured. Each marker can show a "Get Directions" button that routes from the visitor's own location using Google Maps.

= Will the map work on mobile? =

Yes. The layout is responsive, and height can be set per breakpoint (desktop/tablet/mobile) so it doesn't dominate the screen on smaller devices.

= Does this actually help with local SEO? =

It helps with the part a map plugin can help with: fast, clean markup and a clear, accurate presentation of your business location — which matters for both visitors and search engines. Pair it with consistent NAP (name, address, phone) info and solid on-page content for the best results.

= Where do I enter my API key? =

Either from **Settings → GeoVerse Maps** in your WordPress admin, or directly from the map block's own Inspector settings while editing a post or page — whichever's more convenient. It's a single, site-wide setting either way.

= How is this different from other WordPress map plugins? =

Most alternatives require an API key from the first click, or lock features behind a shortcode-only workflow. GeoVerse Maps gets you a working map immediately, is built as a proper Gutenberg block from the ground up, and grows into a full-featured, filterable store locator without switching plugins.

== Screenshots ==

1. The Google Maps block on the front end, with a custom style and markers.
2. Block settings in the editor — location, zoom, markers, and appearance.
3. Map style presets — switch themes to match a light, dark, or branded look.
4. Marker filtering and the clickable marker list view.
5. Turn-by-turn directions from a marker's info window.

== Changelog ==

= 1.5.1 =
* Fixed a fatal error on activation for some installs: the plugin was loading a helper file from its build source tree instead of its shipped `includes/` folder, which isn't guaranteed to be present in every deployment.

= 1.5.0 =
* Major update: map styles, markers, location search, fullscreen, and responsive height now actually render on the live site once an API key is configured — this previously only worked in the editor preview.
* New: marker categories with front-end filtering, so visitors can narrow down a map with a lot of pins.
* New: turn-by-turn directions — an optional "Get Directions" button on each marker.
* New: traffic, transit, and bicycling map layers.
* New: a clickable marker list view next to or below the map.
* New: the API key can now be set directly from the block's own Inspector settings, in addition to Settings → GeoVerse Maps.
* Security fix: marker titles are now escaped before being rendered in the map popup.
* Redesigned the marker popup card and marker list styling.
* Various editor reliability fixes around marker address search, the category picker, and the live map preview.
* Now requires WordPress 6.1 or later.

= 1.4.1 =
* Updated the build toolchain and npm dependencies for better compatibility with current WordPress and the block editor.
* Maintenance release — no breaking changes.

= 1.4.0 =
* Release packaging and WordPress.org-ready metadata.
* Clearer, more SEO-focused readme copy.
* Plugin title updated to "GeoVerse Maps – Google Maps Block for WordPress" for consistent branding.
* Tested up to WordPress 7.0.

= 1.3.2 =
* Renamed the plugin to "GeoVerse Maps" to comply with WordPress directory guidelines.
* Fixed compatibility issues with the latest WordPress version.
* Improved map performance, stability, and general usability.

= 1.3.1 =
* Updated the plugin name to comply with WordPress guidelines.
* Fixed compatibility issues with the latest WordPress version.
* Improved map performance and stability.

= 1.3.0 =
* Improved map performance and loading speed.
* Better mobile responsiveness and touch controls.
* Updated the Google Maps integration for improved compatibility.
* General bug fixes, stability, and security improvements.

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial release.
* Core Google Maps block, no API key required to get started.
* Multiple map styles and themes.
* Custom marker support.
* Responsive by default.

== Credits ==

* Map experience powered by Google Maps.
* Built for modern WordPress — blocks, themes, and current performance practices.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.5.1 =
Fixes a fatal error some installs hit on 1.5.0. Recommended update if you're on 1.5.0.

= 1.5.0 =
Markers, styles, search, and fullscreen now actually work on the live site (not just the editor preview) once an API key is set, plus new filtering, directions, map layers, and marker list features, a security fix, and a bump to requiring WordPress 6.1+. Recommended update.

= 1.4.1 =
Maintenance release with build dependency updates for current WordPress and block editor tooling. Safe update, no breaking changes.

= 1.4.0 =
Maintenance and readme/metadata update, with SEO-oriented listing copy and a WordPress 7.0 tested-up-to value. Safe update, no breaking changes.

= 1.3.2 =
Renames the plugin to "GeoVerse Maps" to comply with WordPress directory guidelines, and includes performance improvements and bug fixes. Please update as soon as possible.

= 1.3.1 =
Changes the plugin name to comply with WordPress guidelines and improves compatibility with the latest WordPress version. Please update as soon as possible.

= 1.3.0 =
Focuses on performance improvements, a better mobile experience, and compatibility with current WordPress versions.
