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Google Sheets

Use a published Google Sheet as a remote CSV URL. MapSVG can periodically re-fetch the sheet so the map stays in sync without re-uploading files.

Setup​

  1. In Google Sheets: File › Share › Publish to web › CSV and copy the URL
  2. In the map editor: Database › CSV import
  3. Choose Remote URL / Google Sheets and paste the URL
  4. Click Sync fields, configure ID column and geocoding if needed
  5. Enable auto-refetch (periodic sync) for remote sources, then Save and Import now

The workflow matches CSV file imports — same field rules, geocoding, and batch processing — but the source stays on Google's servers.

For field formats and import options, see CSV import.

Google Sheets auto-sync​

Google Sheets to Maps auto-sync

For years, importing data into MapSVG worked through CSV uploads. It was reliable, but there was friction:

  • export CSV
  • upload file
  • manually create missing fields in the database
  • repeat everything after every spreadsheet update

That workflow is now gone.

MapSVG now supports Google Sheets auto-sync and remote CSV URLs - turning spreadsheets into a live external data source for your maps, directories, store locators, real estate listings, and more.

From Static CSV Uploads to Live Data​

Instead of uploading files manually, you can now simply paste a remote CSV URL.

MapSVG map to Google Sheet sync screenshot

The most common use case is a public Google Sheets CSV link, but any remote CSV file works.

MapSVG will:

  • fetch the CSV automatically
  • scan all columns
  • detect available fields
  • let you select the ID field
  • optionally create missing database fields automatically
  • attempt to auto-detect field types

That means dramatically less setup time and fewer import errors.

Automatic Schema Detection​

Previously, users had to manually prepare the database schema before import.

Now MapSVG can build it for you.

During import setup, MapSVG analyzes the CSV structure and suggests field types automatically:

  • text
  • numbers
  • select/dropdown
  • dates
  • images
  • location fields
  • and more

You can still adjust everything manually if needed, but most imports now take only a few clicks.

Google Sheets as a Real Database​

The biggest improvement is automatic refetching.

MapSVG map to Google Sheet sync screenshot

Once connected, MapSVG can periodically re-import the remote CSV in the background. Your Google Sheet effectively becomes the source of truth for your website data.

Update a row in Google Sheets → MapSVG syncs it automatically.

This is especially useful for:

  • store locators
  • real estate listings
  • event schedules
  • travel maps
  • delivery points
  • franchise locations
  • team directories
  • dynamic datasets managed by non-technical staff

Clients can edit a spreadsheet without touching WordPress admin at all.

Smart Geocoding Integration​

If your dataset contains location-related fields, MapSVG can now integrate directly with the Google Geocoding API.

You can:

  • convert addresses into coordinates
  • convert coordinates into readable addresses
  • enrich incomplete datasets automatically

And because geocoding costs money after the free quota, MapSVG includes smart rate limiting options.

You can choose between:

  • staying safely under Google's free daily quota (~1300 requests/day)
  • or using aggressive processing speed for large imports

This gives you control over both speed and API costs.

Automatic Image Import​

Another major improvement: image URLs inside CSV files are now handled automatically.

If your CSV contains image links, MapSVG can:

  • download images automatically
  • import them into the WordPress Media Library
  • attach them to records during import

No more manual media uploads for large datasets.

This is particularly useful for:

  • property listings
  • product catalogs
  • team directories
  • tourism guides
  • dealer maps

Built for Huge CSV Files​

CSV performance has also been completely reworked.

Large imports are now processed in background batches using WP-Cron, making it possible to import extremely large datasets without server timeouts.

Datasets with 100,000+ rows are now supported much more reliably.

Instead of trying to process everything in a single request, MapSVG:

  • splits imports into batches
  • processes them asynchronously
  • reduces memory spikes
  • avoids browser timeouts
  • keeps the site responsive during imports

This makes MapSVG suitable for much larger enterprise datasets than before.

Typical Workflow​

The new workflow is simple:

  1. Publish a Google Sheet as CSV
  2. Paste the CSV URL into MapSVG
  3. Let MapSVG detect columns and schema
  4. Configure geocoding/import options
  5. Enable automatic refetching

Done.

Your spreadsheet now powers your map automatically.