In order to use the Google Maps functionality within the program you need to obtain a Google Maps API Key. That's a fancy name for a unique, long string of jumbled-looking text characters that allows Google to identify the user that is requesting a map. According to the Google documentation:

“Using an API key enables you to monitor your application's Maps API usage, and ensures that Google can contact you about your application if necessary.”

For example, if you exceed the daily usage limit Google would know whom to contact.

You only need one API Key for your business, not for each user. Getting your key is free and quite easy.

1. To obtain the key you must first have a Google account. This is also free, and merely records details such as your name and email address. If you have a GMail email address you already have a Google account, but if not, or you'd like to create a new account specifically for this purpose, go to https://accounts.google.com/SignUp?service=devconsole and follow the prompts to create one.
2. Once you have a Google account, go to https://code.google.com/apis/console and log in using your Google account username and password.
3. Click the Services link from the left-hand menu.
4. Scroll down to Google Maps API v3 and set its Status to On.
5. Click the API Access link from the left-hand menu. Your API key is available from the API Access page, as shown below:
6. Copy the API Key by selecting the entire length, without leading or trailing spaces or carriage returns, and pressing <Ctrl><C>, or right-click and select Copy.
7. Follow the instructions contained in the next section, Configuring the Program for Google Maps to install your API Key.