Maps have by far become synonymous with Google Maps. However, if you’re looking for something else apart from navigating from one point to another, Google Maps can help you do that too.
In this article, we’re looking at how you can make custom maps inside Google Maps itself.
Also read: Google Maps vs Google Maps Go: 7 things to know
How to create a custom Google Maps with pins?
You can create custom maps and add landmarks, routes and locations in there. What’s more, is that you can draw your own shapes onto existing maps.
However, while you can view custom maps on the Google Maps Android and iOS apps, you can only make one on the web version using a PC.
Step 1: Head over to the Google Maps website and log in with your account. Once you’re done, click on the hamburger menu icon in the top-left.
Step 2: In the options menu, click the Your Places option.
Step 3: Head over to the Maps tab and click on Create Map.
Step 4: A map creation window will appear in a new tab. You can change the map’s name by clicking on the Untitled map and typing in the name you want.
These maps are made in layers. You can add specific landmarks, routes, pins and shapes on separate layers.
Step 5: To customise the base map’s appearance, click on the Base map arrow and select the type of base map you want.
Step 6: You’ll notice we already have an untitled layer there. You can delete this layer or rename it by clicking on the three vertical dots on the left.
Also read: How to create a Map in CSGO?
How to add a Marker Point in your custom map?
Now we’re going to add a marker point to the map. You can use this point to add a description to the area or point out a location that isn’t there on the base map layer.
Step 1: Click the Add Marker button under the search bar and click on the map where you want the marker to be placed.
Step 2: A dialogue box will show up asking for the marker’s name and description. Type it in and click the Save button.
Also read: How to run Google Maps on Samsung Galaxy Watch or Gear Sport?
How to add custom directions in custom Google Maps?
If you’re looking to add navigation between two points on your custom map, follow these steps.
Step 1: Click on the Add Directions button under the search bar.
Step 2: On the layers panel, a new layer will show up with two fields for points A and B. Type the addresses, Google Maps will automatically plot a route on the map.
Also read: How to add location in Google Maps?
How to add custom shapes in Google Maps?
Aforementioned, Google Maps also lets you draw lines and shapes on the map to highlight certain areas.
Step 1: Click on the Daw a Line option below the search bar and click on Add line or shape.
Step 2: Draw out a line or a shape on the map using your mouse or trackpad.
Step 3: Type in the name and description of the shape and click the Save button.
Also read: How to share live location in Google Maps?
How to share your custom map?
Google Maps also lets you share your custom maps using a wide variety of methods. To share your maps, click on the Share button right next to the Add Layer button.
From here, you can generate a link to your map that you can send to anyone. You can also change the link permissions so that only selected people will see your map.
Also read: How to find coordinates in Google Maps?
