How can I check whether Google Maps is fully loaded?

javascript

google-maps-api

event-listeners

map-optimization

byNikita Barsukov·Dec 6, 2024

To detect when Google Maps is fully loaded, we utilize the idle event within the map instance. The idle event signals that all map tiles are loaded and the map has come to a stop. Implement it using this swift and straightforward JavaScript:

var map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById('map'), {
  // map options
});

google.maps.event.addListenerOnce(map, 'idle', function() {
    alert('Map loaded, ready for action!');
    // Feel free to replace the alert with your own action movie stuff
});

This nifty piece of code takes care of initializing the map and gives you a heads up when it's game time. Make sure to place your code in place of the alert so it fires up when the map is ready to roll!

Determining full load with additional checks

While the idle event is our trusty sidekick, it can never hurt to confirm with map.getBounds(). This checks if the map's boundaries are drawn and ready to go. Similarly, map.getProjection() ensures that the map projection is ready for your top-secret custom functions.

Detecting loading hiccups

Just like in every action movie ever, things don't always go as planned. The idle event fires when the map gets tired from loading and takes a break, whether it failed to load or not. In these situations, you might want to be the hero that saves the day by implementing retry logic or let the user know that the world is not perfect.

Maneuvering loadings within SPAs

On your dynamic sites or single-page applications where Google Maps may pull a Houdini on you (load or refresh multiple times), you'll want to play your addListenerOnce card within the function that triggers the initialization or reloading.

Using Post-load interactivity

Once you've confirmed the map load status, just like an Easter egg for your users, you can lace the map with extra cool features like search, filters, or even some fancy overlays. This is the time to bind those map events (like click, zoom, or drag) to your custom handlers.

Interpreting `tilesloaded` and `bounds_changed`

The tilesloaded event is like that friend who says they're ready to go out, but their shoes are still untied. It indicates the map's visible tiles are finished loading, but not necessarily everything else. Similarly, bounds_changed, rings the alarm every time the viewport changes, which makes it less reliable in detecting if the map is fully loaded.

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