Introducing Gravity Search: Turn Gravity Forms into a Search and Directory Platform

Gravity Search is a powerful new search and directory platform built into Gravity Geolocation 3.5. It allows you to transform Gravity Forms entries into searchable directories, listings, maps, customer portals, and custom search experiences.

Gravity Forms is one of the most powerful tools available for collecting data in WordPress. Businesses use it to manage directories, service providers, property listings, customer records, applications, memberships, employee databases, and countless other types of information.

But once that data has been collected, a new challenge appears.

How do users search it? How do administrators filter it? How do you transform thousands of entries into a searchable directory, resource library, customer portal, or location finder?

That's exactly why we built Gravity Search.

New to Gravity Search? Visit the Gravity Search solution page to explore features, use cases, demos, pricing, and documentation.

Most directory solutions require migrating data into a separate system. We wanted a solution that works directly with the Gravity Forms data you’re already collecting.

Whether you're building a public directory, an internal administration tool, a customer portal, a resource library, or a location-aware search experience, Gravity Search provides the tools needed to turn Gravity Forms entries into searchable content.

Why We Built Gravity Search

Over the years, we've seen Gravity Forms users build everything from business directories and property listings to customer portals, employee databases, membership sites, and internal administration tools.

While Gravity Forms excels at collecting and managing data, searching and displaying that data often required custom development, multiple plugins, or complex workarounds.

We wanted to provide a solution that felt like a natural extension of Gravity Forms itself. A solution that would allow users to build powerful search experiences, searchable directories, listings, maps, and lookup tools without learning an entirely new platform.

That's exactly what this solution was designed to do.

Introducing Gravity Search

Gravity Search is a powerful entry search and directory solution built into Gravity Geolocation 3.5.

More than a simple search feature, Gravity Search transforms Gravity Forms into a searchable application platform, allowing you to build directories, listings, resource catalogs, customer portals, administration tools, proximity-based searches, and map-integrated search experiences powered entirely by Gravity Forms entries.

Whether you're building a public business directory, a searchable employee database, a property listing platform, a service provider finder, or an internal administration dashboard, it provides the tools needed to search, filter, sort, and display Gravity Forms data in meaningful ways.

Think of Gravity Search as the missing layer between collecting data with Gravity Forms and turning that data into searchable directories, listings, portals, and maps.

Turn Gravity Forms Into a Search and Directory Platform

Gravity Search Search Form Settings Page

Most Gravity Forms sites follow a familiar pattern:

Create a form.
Collect entries.
Manage submissions in the admin area.

That works well when you're collecting data. But what happens when your entries become valuable content that users need to browse, filter, and discover?

That's where Gravity Search changes the game.

Instead of treating entries as data that only administrators can access, it allows you to transform those entries into searchable content that can power complete front-end experiences. You can build searchable directories, maps, lookup tools, resource libraries, listings, and custom search experiences using the same Gravity Forms data you're already collecting.

What Can You Build with Gravity Search?

One of the most exciting aspects of the search solution is how flexible it is.

The same search solution can be used to power very different types of applications.

Business Directories – Search businesses by category, keyword, location, and distance.
Service Provider Finders – Help users find nearby professionals and service providers.
Property Listings – Search properties by location, price, category, and custom criteria.
Employee Directories – Search employee records and company information.
Customer Portals – Allow users to search and manage their own entries.
Member Directories – Create searchable membership databases.
Resource Libraries – Build searchable collections of guides, documents, and submitted content.
Lead Management Systems – Search and filter leads using custom business criteria.
Location Finders – Help users discover nearby locations and services.

In fact, the possibilities extend far beyond traditional directories. If your data lives in Gravity Forms, Gravity Search can help users find it.

Built Using the Native Gravity Forms Builder

One of the core goals behind Gravity Search was keeping the experience familiar.

Many search and directory systems introduce a completely separate builder, custom interface, or proprietary workflow. Gravity Search takes a different approach. Search forms are created using the standard Gravity Forms builder that users already know, meaning there is no separate search builder to learn.

If you know how to build a Gravity Form, you already know how to build a Gravity Search form.

Connect to Any Gravity Forms Dataset

Gravity Search uses a simple but extremely powerful architecture. First, you create a search form. Then you select a target form—the form whose entries will be searched. This separation allows a single search form to be connected to virtually any Gravity Forms dataset.

Search Forms and Target Forms remain completely independent. This allows you to create multiple search experiences from the same dataset without duplicating data or restructuring your forms. This architecture allows you to create specialized search experiences without modifying the forms that collect and manage your data.

For example:

A Business Directory Search form can search a Business Listings form.
A Property Search form can search a Property Listings form.
An Employee Lookup form can search an Employee Records form.
A Provider Search form can search a Service Provider form.

As a result, this architecture allows the search solution to work with virtually any dataset managed through Gravity Forms.

Powerful Search and Filtering

Gravity Search supports flexible field mapping and filtering, allowing search fields to be connected to target fields without requiring identical field types. This makes it much easier to work with existing forms and datasets without restructuring your data.

Text fields, select fields, radio buttons, checkboxes, number fields, date fields, and many other field types can be mapped and configured to create powerful search experiences. Search fields can also be mapped to entry metadata, creator information, payment data, and other Gravity Forms system data.

Users can perform:

Keyword searches
Exact matches
Contains searches
Choice-based filtering
Numeric comparisons
Date filtering
Range-based searches

Multiple filters can be combined together using AND or OR logic, making it possible to build everything from simple search forms to advanced multi-filter directories.

More Than Just Form Fields

The solution isn't limited to standard form fields. It can also search entry metadata and administrative information such as:

Entry IDs
Entry status
Date created
Date updated
Payment information
Transaction IDs
User IDs
User roles
Entry creators

This makes Gravity Search useful not only for public-facing directories, but also for internal administration tools and business workflows.

Fast AJAX-Powered Search Experience

Gravity Search uses a REST API-powered AJAX architecture, allowing searches to run dynamically without reloading the page.

Searches can be triggered manually or automatically when filters change, creating a modern, responsive user experience. Results can also load automatically when a page first loads, helping users immediately discover available content.

Flexible Results, Templates, and Details Pages

You have complete control over how results are displayed. Results can be rendered using structured field settings for quick setup or through fully customized templates using Gravity Forms merge tags.

Supported display options include:

List layouts
Grid layouts
Table layouts
List/Grid view toggles
Pagination
Load More functionality
Sorting controls
Per-page controls

Each result can also link to a dedicated details page where users can view complete entry information. Details pages can be built using simple structured settings or fully customized page content powered by Gravity Forms merge tags.

Maps and Proximity Search

Gravity Search works perfectly as a general-purpose search and directory solution. When combined with Gravity Geolocation, however, it becomes even more powerful, allowing users to search by location, radius, and distance while displaying results directly on an interactive map.

This makes Gravity Search ideal for:

Store locators
Business directories
Property searches
Service provider finders
Location-aware listings
Map-integrated search experiences

At the same time, maps and proximity search are completely optional, allowing Gravity Search to support both location-based and non-location-based workflows.

Build Layouts Your Way

One of the most powerful aspects of Gravity Search is its flexible component-based architecture. The search form, search results, and map can each be displayed independently using separate shortcodes.

This allows you to create layouts such as:

Search form above results.
Search form beside a map.
Results and map displayed side-by-side.
Map-only displays.
Results-only displays.
Fully custom landing pages.

This flexibility makes it easy to match virtually any design or workflow requirement.

Why Gravity Search?

Unlike traditional directory solutions, Gravity Search works directly with Gravity Forms and the data you're already collecting.

✓ Uses native Gravity Forms
✓ Works with existing forms and entries
✓ Search fields, metadata, and payments
✓ Built-in maps and proximity search
✓ No separate builder to learn

Learn More About Gravity Search

Explore the complete Gravity Search solution page to see features, use cases, live demos, documentation, and pricing information.

View the Gravity Search Solution Page

Included with Gravity Geolocation Pro

Gravity Search is included with the Pro plan and represents one of the most significant additions introduced in Gravity Geolocation 3.5, bringing powerful entry search, directory, and listing capabilities directly to Gravity Forms.

The Agency plan includes everything in Pro, plus advanced features such as Nearest Locations, Drawing Tools, and future advanced functionality.

See our pricing page for a complete feature comparison.

See Gravity Search in Action

Ready to explore Gravity Search for yourself?

Key Highlights

Build search forms using the native Gravity Forms builder.
Search entries from any Gravity Forms form.
Independent search forms and target forms.
Flexible field mapping and filtering.
Search entry metadata and creator information.
REST API-powered AJAX search experience.
List, grid, and table layouts.
Custom templates and merge tag support.
Dedicated details pages.
Map-integrated and proximity-aware search.
Flexible shortcode-based layouts.
Suitable for directories, portals, listings, and administration tools.

Get Started with Gravity Search

Gravity Search is available now as part of the Gravity Geolocation 3.5 beta. Explore the demos, experiment with your own data, and discover how Gravity Search can transform Gravity Forms from a data collection tool into searchable directories, listings, portals, maps, and custom search experiences.

Want to try Gravity Search on your own site? Visit our pricing page to choose a plan, or download the latest beta if you're already a Gravity Geolocation customer.

As always, we welcome feedback, bug reports, feature requests, and real-world use cases as we continue refining Gravity Geolocation 3.5 and the initial public beta release of Gravity Search ahead of the official launch.

Showcase Gravity Forms Submissions on a Google Map

Introduction

If your website collects location-based data using Gravity Forms, you likely want a way to visualize that data. Whether you're displaying business listings, event locations, service requests, or user-submitted entries, integrating Gravity Forms with Google Maps can make your data more accessible and interactive.

That's where Gravity Geolocation’s Mashup Map feature comes in. This feature allows you to display multiple Gravity Forms submissions on a Google Map dynamically. It’s easy to set up using a simple shortcode, and new entries appear on the map automatically.

In this guide, we’ll explore how the Mashup Map feature works, what you can do with it, and how to set it up on your site.

What Is the Gravity Forms Google Maps Mashup Feature?

The Mashup Map is a powerful tool within Gravity Geolocation that allows you to display multiple form submissions as location markers on a map. When users submit a Gravity Form that includes an Address, Coordinates, or Map Field, their locations are automatically plotted on an interactive Google Map.

This feature is particularly useful for:

Business directories - Show company locations submitted via a Gravity Form.
Event listings – Display user-submitted event venues on a map.
Service requests – Visualize customer locations for delivery or field services.
Real estate listings – Map out property submissions from Gravity Forms.

How Does It Work?

The Mashup Map lets you display Gravity Forms entries on Google Maps using location data collected from the different geolocation fields provided by the Gravity Geolocation plugin, allowing flexibility in how locations are captured.

The location data can be collected using:

Address Field – Users enter an address, which is geocoded into latitude and longitude.
Coordinates Field – Directly stores latitude and longitude values for precise placement.
Map Field – Allows users to select a location by dropping a pin on an interactive map.

In addition to these fields, the Geocoder field is used to sync with other geolocation fields, geocode the location, and store it in the entry.

The Mashup Map can display entries using using location data collected by any combination of these fields, making it a powerful tool for mapping form submissions.

Key Features:

Displays Multiple Entries – Show all Gravity Forms submissions on a single map.
Automatic Updates – Newly submitted entries appear on the map in real time.
Simple Shortcode Integration – Embed the map anywhere using a shortcode.
Customizable Display Options – Control zoom level, marker styles, clustering, and more.

With the Mashup Map, you can transform Gravity Forms submissions into a dynamic, location-based display, improving both data visualization and user interaction.

How to Display Gravity Forms Entries on a Map with Gravity Geolocation

Setting up the Mashup Map feature is simple. Follow these steps to display Gravity Forms submissions on an interactive map:

1. Install and Activate Gravity Geolocation

Ensure you have the Gravity Geolocation plugin installed and activated on your site. If you haven't got the plugin yet, get it here.

Once installed, activate the plugin on your site. For a step-by-step setup guide, refer to the installation and setup documentation.

2. Enable Geolocation Fields in Your Form

To display form entries on the map, your Gravity Form must collect geolocation data. This can be done by adding one or more geolocation-enabled fields such as the Address Field, Coordinates Field, Map Field, or any of the other geolocation fields.

For a step-by-step guide on setting up a geolocation-enabled form, see the tutorial.

3. Submit Sample Entries

Before displaying the Mashup Map, submit a few test entries with different locations to ensure that the form is collecting geolocation data correctly.

4. Use and Customize the Mashup Map Shortcode

To display the map, insert the Mashup Map shortcode into a page or post:

[gfgeo_mashup_map form_id="1"]

Replace "1" with the actual Gravity Form ID you want to display.

You can also customize the map display using shortcode attributes. For example:

[gfgeo_mashup_map form_id="1" map_height="500px" zoom_level="8"]

Common attributes include:

map_height="500px" – Adjusts the map height.
zoom_level="8" – Sets the default zoom level.
map_type="roadmap" – choose the map type.
include_entries="101,102,103" – include only specific entries.

For a full list of shortcode attributes and customization options, see the Mashup Map documentation.

5. Publish and View Entries on the Map

Once you've added the shortcode, publish the page and view your interactive map. New entries will automatically appear as they are submitted.

Why Use the Mashup Map Feature?

The Mashup Map is more than just a visual enhancement—it’s a practical way to showcase Gravity Forms data interactively. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

Enhances Data Visualization – Instead of viewing entries in a list, users see them in a geographic format.
Works for Any Use Case – Great for directories, event listings, service requests, and more.
Saves Time and Effort – No coding or third-party integrations needed—it works out of the box.
Fully Customizable – Control zoom, marker styles, and map behavior to suit your needs.

Want more ideas? Check out our Gravity Forms Google Maps use cases.

Whether you’re building a local business directory, tracking service requests, or showcasing real estate listings, the Mashup Map feature helps bring Gravity Forms data to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I display Gravity Forms entries on Google Maps?

Yes! The Mashup Map feature in Gravity Geolocation allows you to display Gravity Forms submissions on Google Maps dynamically. This makes it easy to create an interactive Gravity Forms Google Map with real-time updates.

How do I add Gravity Forms locations to Google Maps?

Simply use the Mashup Map shortcode: [gfgeo_mashup_map form_id="1"]. Replace "1" with your actual Gravity Form ID. New entries will automatically appear on the map.

Can I customize the appearance of the Google Map?

Yes! You can customize the map height, zoom level, marker styles, and more using shortcode attributes. See the full customization guide here.

Is the Mashup Map mobile-friendly?

Yes! The Mashup Map is fully responsive and works seamlessly on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices for an optimal user experience.

Do I need an API key to use Google Maps with Gravity Forms?

Yes, a Google Maps API key is required to use Google Maps with Gravity Forms. Follow our API setup guide to get started.

Final Thoughts

If you collect location-based data with Gravity Forms, the Mashup Map feature makes it easy to display entries on Google Maps. It allows you to effortlessly display multiple form submissions on an interactive map, providing a better user experience and more insightful data visualization.

Get Started Today

Bring your submissions to life with the Mashup Map feature in Gravity Geolocation. Ready to try it out? Check out our documentation for more details, test the feature with our live demo, or explore our pricing plans to get started today.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. Let’s map your Gravity Forms data with style!

Gravity Forms Distance Calculator with Gravity Geolocation

Are you looking to supercharge your Gravity Forms with advanced location-based functionality? The Distance Calculator for Gravity Forms by Gravity Geolocation is a groundbreaking feature that takes your forms to the next level. Powered by the Google Maps API, it calculates distances, travel times, and routes with unmatched precision. From delivery services to event planning or logistics, this tool transforms your forms into powerful, dynamic solutions.

What Is the Directions Field?

The Directions Field is a unique feature in Gravity Geolocation that allows you to calculate distances, travel times, and routes directly within your Gravity Forms. Powered by the Google Maps Directions API, the Directions Field ensures exact results for both distance and travel duration, making it a reliable solution for your location-based needs. By linking it to Address Fields, Coordinates Fields, Map Fields, and other geolocation fields, you can create highly dynamic and interactive forms.

With the Directions Field, you can:

Calculate Distance and Travel Time: Determine both the distance and estimated travel duration between two or more points.
Display Routes on a Map: Show the user’s journey visually, helping them better understand their travel path.
Provide Step-by-Step Directions: Include turn-by-turn instructions for navigation directly in the form.

Learn more in our Directions Field documentation.

How the Gravity Forms Distance Calculator Enhances Your Forms

Gravity Geolocation’s Directions Field opens up possibilities that were previously unavailable in Gravity Forms. Here are some real-world examples of its transformative power:

1. Delivery Fee Calculation

For businesses offering delivery services, the Directions Field does more than just calculate distances:

Distance and Duration: Use it to calculate both the distance and travel time from your location to the user’s delivery address with the precision of the Google Maps API.
Route and Directions: Display the delivery route on a map and provide turn-by-turn directions for your drivers.

2. Event Registrations

Simplify event management with enhanced geolocation features:

Distance and Eligibility: Ensure participants are within the required distance from your venue by calculating their travel path.
Travel Guidance: Offer participants the best route to your event, complete with estimated travel time and step-by-step directions.

3. Logistics and Transportation Services

For transportation or logistics businesses, the Directions Field is indispensable:

Comprehensive Overviews: Calculate the total distance and travel duration between pickup and drop-off locations.
Map Visualization: Provide a clear route map for users or drivers.
Navigation Assistance: Turn-by-turn directions ensure everyone stays on track.

Key Features of the Gravity Forms Distance Calculator

Dynamic Distance and Duration Calculation: Automatically calculates both distance and travel time as users update the address, coordinates, map, or other geolocation fields connected to it.
Powered by Google Maps API: Ensures the most accurate results for distance and travel time calculations.
Interactive Map Display: Show routes visually on a map embedded within the form.
Step-by-Step Navigation: Provide detailed turn-by-turn directions for users.
Units of Measurement: Choose between miles or kilometers to suit your audience.
Integration with Conditional Logic: Use distance or duration values to trigger conditional logic, such as dynamic pricing or custom notifications.
Customizable Display: Tailor how distances, durations, and routes appear on your forms.

Get Started with the Directions Field

Setting up the Directions Field in Gravity Forms is simple and highly configurable. To get the most out of this feature, check out our full tutorial for step-by-step instructions.

Transform Your Forms with the Directions Field

With the Gravity Geolocation Directions Field, your Gravity Forms can handle location-based logic like never before. Whether you're streamlining e-commerce, managing events, or offering logistics services, this unique feature is the perfect solution.

Explore the full capabilities of the Directions Field and get started today by visiting our plugin page.

Add Directions to Gravity Forms with Gravity Geolocation

With Gravity Geolocation's Directions feature, integrating location-based directions into your Gravity Forms is a seamless way to enhance user experience and streamline workflows. If you're looking to explore distance and travel-related use cases, check out our post on the Distance Calculator.

What Is the Directions Feature in Gravity Geolocation?

The Directions feature in Gravity Geolocation is designed to calculate and display routes and distances directly within Gravity Forms. It enables users to find directions between multiple points and offers step-by-step navigation and route visualization.

Core Features:

Interactive maps that display routes dynamically.
Precise distance and travel time calculations.
Customizable options like preferred routes, avoiding tolls, or shortest paths.

Explore the broader benefits of geolocation in this geolocation benefits guide.

Top Benefits of Adding Directions to Gravity Forms

Looking for details on distance calculations? Visit our post on the Distance Calculator.

Enhanced User Experience
Integrating directions into your forms reduces the need for users to leave your site for external tools like Google Maps, creating a seamless experience.
Real-Time Route Optimization
Provide users with the most efficient routes and travel options based on their input, improving decision-making for deliveries or service requests.
Supports Cost Calculations
Automatically calculate distances and use the data for fee estimates, delivery charges, or mileage reimbursements.
Expands Form Capabilities
Transform your forms from basic data collection tools into interactive, location-aware solutions that add real value for users.
Boosts Engagement and Conversions
Forms with engaging features like maps and directions encourage users to complete them, helping you capture more leads or service requests.

Explore the broader benefits of geolocation in this geolocation benefits guide.

Use Cases for the Directions Feature

The Directions feature is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to various industries. Here are a few examples:

Delivery Services: Calculate delivery fees based on distance and display real-time routes to ensure accuracy.
Event Management: Help attendees plan their travel by showing directions to venues or parking areas.
Service Areas: Define service coverage by calculating the user’s proximity to your business location.
Travel & Logistics: Provide optimized routes for travel itineraries, fleet management, or logistics planning.

Why Choose Gravity Geolocation for Directions?

Gravity Geolocation is purpose-built for Gravity Forms, ensuring seamless integration and a hassle-free setup. The Directions feature adds interactive maps, dynamic route calculations, and precise distance tracking, all designed to enhance the functionality and user experience of your forms.

By choosing Gravity Geolocation, you not only upgrade your forms but also give your users a powerful, intuitive way to navigate their needs directly on your site.

Conclusion

Adding directions to Gravity Forms is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your website’s functionality and user experience. With Gravity Geolocation’s Directions feature, you can effortlessly integrate interactive mapping and routing capabilities into your forms, making them more valuable and engaging for your audience.

Ready to elevate your Gravity Forms? Learn more about Gravity Geolocation and transform your forms today!