Google Maps allows users to easily create custom maps that can be shared and collaborated on with friends and contacts. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make and share custom Google Maps:
Table of Contents
Creating a Custom Google Map
- Go to Google My Maps and sign in to your Google account. This allows you to access the map creation tools.
- Click on “Create a new map” at the top left. This will open up a blank map that you can customize.
- Name your map. Click on “Untitled Map” at the top and give your map a descriptive name and description.
- Add locations to your map. You can add markers, lines, shapes, etc. by clicking on the corresponding icon at the top. Provide titles and descriptions for your markers.
- Customize map layers. Click on the 3-dot menu next to map layers to change its color, style, etc. Add new layers as needed.
- Import data. You can bulk import locations by uploading spreadsheets with address data. This auto-populates your map.
Customizing Map Elements
- Markers: Add customizable markers for points of interest.
- Lines / Shapes: Draw lines and shapes to highlight routes, areas, etc.
- Photos: Attach photos to any location on your map.
- Descriptions: Add text descriptions for markers, lines, and shapes.
- Layers: Separate types of data into different layers for easy organization.
- Icons: Choose from over a hundred icons to represent locations.
- Colors: Make layers stand out by color coding them.
Sharing, Editing, and Embedding Maps
- Share map: Click “Share” and add people via email or link. Choose their access level.
- Real-time collaboration: Others can view and edit your map in real-time, like a Google Doc.
- Publish map: Click “Publish” to get an embeddable link to display your map publicly.
- Export map: Download your map data into a KML file to use in other applications.
- Embed map: Copy the embed link into your website or blog to display your custom map.
Creating Maps on Mobile
The Google Maps mobile app also allows you to access all your custom maps:
- Open Google Maps app and sign into your Google account
- Tap menu ≡ icon and select “Your places”
- Tap “Maps” tab to see your list of custom maps
- Tap a map to open it. You can view, edit, share, etc. right from your phone.
Using Custom Maps
There are many creative ways custom Google Maps can be used:
- Mapping travel destinations and points of interest
- Creating geographical scavenger hunts
- Building interactive store locators
- Visualizing historical events
- Tracking real-time locations
- Building custom self-guided tours
- Gamifying maps with quiz markers
- Creating public maps with local knowledge
The possibilities are endless! With Google’s robust mapping platform, anyone can make detailed maps tailored to their specific needs. Custom maps can be created and shared easily for collaboration or public use.
Tips for Making Great Custom Maps
Follow these tips to make effective custom Google Maps:
- Use a descriptive title so the focus of your map is clear at a glance
- Break down complex maps into separate layers to organize the content
- Use map legends to define any icons, shapes, colors etc.
- Add text descriptions to provide context for the locations pinned
- Use images sparingly to support the most important points
- Test on mobile to ensure your map looks good on all devices
- Check accessibility features like screen reader support
- Enable editing if you want others to contribute to your map
With Google’s user-friendly custom map creation tools, anyone can make great-looking maps to share locally or with the world. Whether planning a family vacation route or marking historical landmarks, custom maps help visualize ideas and tell stories through location.
