Importing Existing Entry Locations
Introduction
Gravity Search uses indexed location data to power proximity searches, distance calculations, distance sorting, and
map markers.
New and updated entries can be indexed automatically after Entry Geocoding is configured. Existing Target Form
entries may need to be processed with the Import Existing Entry Locations tool.
The importer scans active entries in batches and adds valid locations from the selected Target Form fields to the
Search location index.
When Import Is Needed
Run the importer when:
- You enable Entry Geocoding on a Target Form that already contains entries.
- You add or change the fields selected under Fields to Geocode.
- You import entries into Gravity Forms from another website or file.
- Existing entries are missing from proximity search results.
- Existing entries do not appear as map markers.
- You need to rebuild location data for previously submitted entries.
Entries submitted or updated after Entry Geocoding is enabled are indexed automatically. The importer is primarily
intended for entries created before the current geocoding settings were saved.
Configure Entry Geocoding
Open the Target Form’s settings and locate the Entry Geocoding section.
Enable Entry Geocoding
Enable Enable Entry Geocoding. This allows Gravity Search to index the selected fields when an
entry is submitted or updated.
Fields to Geocode
Use Fields to Geocode to select one or more Target Form fields containing location data.
Supported field types include:
- Geocoder fields: Import their existing stored location data and coordinates when available.
- Address fields: Combine and geocode the saved address components.
- Single Line Text fields: Geocode the saved text as an address.
- Paragraph Text fields: Geocode the saved text as an address.
Geocoder fields are generally the most efficient source because they may already contain coordinates. Address and
text fields can require new requests to the Google Geocoding API.
Before You Begin
- Enable Enable Entry Geocoding.
- Select the appropriate Fields to Geocode.
- Save the Target Form settings.
- Confirm that your Google Maps server API key and required geocoding service are configured.
Always save the settings before starting the importer. If Fields to Geocode contains unsaved changes, the importer
will continue using the previously saved selection.
Large imports involving Address, Single Line Text, or Paragraph Text fields can consume Google Geocoding API quota
and may encounter request or rate limits.
Run the Importer
In the Import Existing Entry Locations panel, click Start Import.
The importer processes active Target Form entries in batches. For every selected field, it attempts to:
- Import valid coordinates already stored in a Geocoder field.
- Geocode saved Address or text field values.
- Add valid locations to the Search location index.
- Skip empty fields or locations that are already indexed.
- Report fields that could not be imported.
Keep the importer page open until processing is complete. You can use the Cancel button to stop an
import that is currently running.
Understanding Import Results
The Processed Locations table displays information about each processed location, including:
- Entry ID
- Field ID
- Address
- Action
- Reason
A location may be imported, skipped, or reported as failed. Skipped locations commonly contain an empty value or
already exist in the index. Failed locations commonly indicate an invalid stored location or an address that could
not be geocoded.
After Importing
Open the Search that uses this Target Form and go to Search Setup.
Under Location Data Scope, select the imported location fields that the Search should use. These
sources determine which indexed locations are available for proximity filtering, distance calculations, and map
markers.
Save the Search and test it using:
- A location search field with an address and radius.
- Initial proximity defaults, if configured.
- Map output with result markers enabled.
- Distance display or distance sorting.
