Map providers

Shipper TMS uses a map provider for:

  • geocoding addresses,
  • showing routes on a map,
  • calculating distance and duration,
  • route optimization,
  • route-distance caching.

Map provider settings in Shipper TMS Setup

How to work with map provider setup

  1. Decide which provider your company will use.
  2. Configure the provider account outside Business Central.
  3. Open Shipper TMS Setup.
  4. Select Map Provider.
  5. Enter the required provider key.
  6. Create or update Map Locations so important stops have coordinates.
  7. Test Geocode address on a Map Location.
  8. Test Show Route or Get Transport Time & Distance from a Transport Request or Transport Order.
  9. If using Azure Maps for truck-aware routing, configure Vehicle Routing Profiles.

Which provider should you choose

Provider Best when Main limitation to check
Google Maps You need standard address geocoding and road routing Truck-specific routing fields are not used like Azure Maps routing profiles
Azure Maps You need truck-aware routing with vehicle restrictions Requires Azure Maps setup and vehicle routing profiles for truck constraints

Configure the provider in TMS

  1. Open Shipper TMS Setup.
  2. Go to Map Provider Settings.
  3. Select Map Provider.
  4. Enter the required key:
    • Google Api Key
    • or Azure Maps Subscription Key
  5. For Azure Maps, select Azure Maps Geo Scope if your company needs a specific processing region.

Security note

Map provider keys are secrets.

  • Do not include API keys or subscription keys in screenshots.
  • Mask keys before sharing setup screenshots with support or consultants.
  • Rotate keys according to your provider and company security policy.

Troubleshooting

Problem Check
Geocoding does not return coordinates Provider key, map provider selection, address quality
Route does not show Coordinates, provider key, browser restrictions, route stop data
Distance does not update Provider selection, key, route stop coordinates, Distance Matrix
Truck-aware routing is ignored Azure Maps provider, unit type, Vehicle Routing Profile

When to recalculate distance

Recalculate distance and duration after changing:

  • shipper or consignee address;
  • route stop order;
  • carrier depot/start/end map location;
  • map provider;
  • vehicle or logistic unit type used for Azure truck routing;
  • vehicle routing profile restrictions.