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The map image is indeed being blocked by Admin Tools' .htaccess Maker. This feature prevents direct browser access to PHP files outside of Joomla's normal request flow — which is a deliberate security measure — but it also catches legitimate PHP scripts that third-party extensions need to run standalone, like staticmap.php.

You can add a specific exception for that one file without disabling the protection globally:

1. Go to Components → Admin Tools → .htaccess Maker.
2. Scroll down to the "Allow direct access to these files" option.
3. Click the green + icon to add a new line and type in:
   components/com_jbusinessdirectory/libraries/staticmaplite/staticmap.php
4. Click Save & Create .htaccess in the toolbar.

The map should load correctly after that.

Important security note: We strongly recommend adding only the specific file path above, rather than disabling the "Block direct access to PHP files" option entirely. That option protects your site against a class of attacks where a malicious PHP file uploaded to your server (through a vulnerability in another extension, for example) can be executed directly by visiting its URL. Allowing direct PHP access everywhere eliminates that protection. Allowing it only for a single, known-good file keeps your site safe while restoring the functionality you need.

If at any point you see a 403 error for other files from the same extension, check whether those files are also PHP scripts intended to be called directly (e.g. AJAX endpoints, image generators) and add them one by one in the same way.

Hi Tim,

Please remember that this line is added because you added it to the .htaccess Maker's “Custom .htaccess rules at the bottom of the file”.

Please do read the documentation page for this feature which has a separate section explaining how to find the correct line so you can add it to your .htaccess Maker configuration.

It goes without saying, every time you change your PHP version you need to update that line.