Formidable Geolocation 3.0 Beta: Rebuilt from the Ground Up with WPGeo Framework

We are excited to announce the beta release of Formidable Geolocation 3.0 Beta. This major update has been rebuilt from the ground up using our new WPGeo Framework, delivering faster performance, improved stability, and support for powerful new features.

The beta is now available for testing. We strongly recommend installing it on a development or staging site before updating a live environment.

Introducing the WPGeo Framework

At the heart of this release is the new WPGeo Framework, a modern, modular geolocation engine shared across all our plugins.

• Unified foundation – A single codebase powering all WPGeo products.
• Faster development – Easier maintenance and quicker release cycles.
• Improved reliability – Designed for performance, scalability, and long-term stability.
• Feature parity – New features roll out across all supported form builders simultaneously.

Performance Improvements & Full Rewrite

Formidable Geolocation 3.0 has been completely rewritten for cleaner architecture, faster load times, and more predictable field behavior. Many longstanding issues have been resolved as part of this rebuild.

Updated Google API Requirements

The plugin now uses the modern Places API and the new Routes API (replacing the deprecated Directions API). Ensure both APIs are enabled in your Google Cloud Console for everything to function correctly.

For help setting up your API keys, see our updated API setup guide.

Installation Notes

Version 3.0 requires the WPGeo Framework.

• If the framework is already installed, the plugin activates normally.
• If it’s missing, you’ll see a one-click prompt to install it automatically.

No manual uploads or extra configuration are required.

New in Formidable Geolocation 3.0

Formidable Geolocation 3.0 introduces several powerful new fields and mapping capabilities, all built on the new WPGeo Framework. These features expand what your forms can do, making geolocation faster, more flexible, and easier to customize than ever before.

Distance & Duration Field

A dedicated field built specifically for retrieving travel distance and estimated duration between two geolocation inputs. Unlike the full Directions Field, which loads the complete routing system, this field focuses entirely on fast, efficient distance calculations using the Google Routes API (Matrix) or a Haversine fallback.

Previously, distance calculations were possible through the Directions Field, but required loading route steps, polylines, and UI components you may not need. The new Distance & Duration Field is lighter, faster, and far easier to configure when your goal is simply to retrieve distance and travel time.

• Optimized for fast distance & duration computation (Matrix API or Haversine)
• Simpler setup, no route UI, steps, or extra configuration
• Supports Address, Coordinates, and Map Fields for origin & destination
• Outputs raw meters, formatted distance, and readable duration text
• Ideal for delivery fees, logistics, scheduling, radius checks, and cost-per-mile workflows

If all you need is distance and travel time, without the full directions system, this field offers the simplest and most efficient solution.

Nearest Locations Field

Instantly find and display the closest matching locations based on a user’s selected address, coordinates, or map point. Powered by the Google Routes API Matrix with Haversine pre-filtering, this field delivers fast, accurate, ranked results directly inside your form.

• Flexible data sources - load locations from any database table with latitude/longitude columns, or paste manual lists using JSON, CSV, or pipe-delimited formats
• Distance-accurate sorting via Matrix API or Haversine fallback
• Display results inside the form or on a connected map field with marker highlighting
• Auto-select or user-select the nearest match, with optional output to other fields
• Works with repeaters, conditional logic, dynamic fields, and calculations
• Perfect for store locators, pickup points, service-area matching, delivery hubs, and provider assignment

Drawing Tools & Drawing Shape Fields

Give users powerful on-map drawing capabilities inside Formidable Forms, including editable shapes, real-time measurements, intuitive styling, and full shape data storage with each submission.

• Draw and edit shapes visually - polygons, circles, rectangles, lines, points, and freehand shapes
• Live measurements - area, perimeter, radius, center, bounds, and length update instantly
• Predefined or user-drawn shapes - preload a shape using the Drawing Shape Field or let users draw freely
• Full GeoJSON output - ideal for calculations, zone logic, and custom workflows

These tools consist of two complementary fields:

• Drawing Tools Field - a full multi-shape editor with labels, colors, undo/redo, import/export (GeoJSON), and advanced editing powered by TerraDraw.
• Drawing Shape Field - a synced single-shape field ideal for predefined zones or workflows requiring one editable shape. All metrics and geometry are automatically stored in hidden inputs.

Together, these fields unlock workflows like service-area selection, delivery zone mapping, boundary editing, pricing by area or radius, geofencing, and territory management.

Updated Plans & Licensing Changes

With the release of Formidable Geolocation 3.0 beta, the plugin now uses a modernized licensing structure that better matches feature levels. These new plans are already live.

Here is the new plan lineup:

• Starter – Geocoder, Address, Coordinates, Map, Locator Button, IP Address Support, Dynamic Location Field.
• Pro – Everything in Starter + Directions Field, Distance & Duration Field, Single Entry Map Shortcode, Mashup Map Shortcode.
• Agency – Everything in Pro + Nearest Locations Field, Drawing Tools Field, Drawing Shape Field.

How Existing Plans Align with the New Feature Structure

Your existing plan name and site limits remain exactly the same. Only the features included have been upgraded to match the new structure.

• Personal – Now includes all features from the Standard plan plus the new Directions field that replaces that directions feature that was built into the Geocoder field.
• Extended – Now includes all features from the new Pro plan.
• Developer – Now includes all features available in the new Agency plan.

No action is required, these upgraded features are available automatically.

Important Notes

• Always test on a staging site before upgrading a live website.
• Back up your site prior to installing the beta.
• Please report any bugs or unexpected behavior.
• If you rely on custom code or third-party add-ons, test compatibility before going live.

Download the Beta

Ready to explore Formidable Geolocation 3.0? Download the beta and experience the improved performance, expanded field set, and new WPGeo Framework.

Existing customers can download the beta from their account under File Downloads.