If you've ever used Google Maps for directions, but always wished you could better organize your routes, mark places your way, or plan a trip with everything well-organized, what you need is... Learn how to work with Google My MapsIt's a little-known tool for the general public, but incredibly powerful for anyone planning trips, work routes, personal projects, or activities with other people.
In the following lines you will find a A very complete guide to creating custom maps with Google My MapsFrom what it is and how to access it, to how to add layers, points of interest, routes, areas, share them, view them on your mobile device, and even use them with offline maps. The idea is that, when you finish reading, you'll be able to create maps just as useful as those on travel blogs… or even better.
What is Google My Maps and how is it different from Google Maps?
Google My Maps is a "sister" tool to Google Maps that lets you Create fully customized maps and edit them with virtually no limits.Visually, it looks very similar to regular Google Maps, but here you decide what is seen, how it is seen, and how the information is organized.
With the classic Google Maps app you can save places, create lists, and look up routesHowever, the level of customization falls quite short if you want to plan something complex: a road trip, several routes through a city, a professional project, customer follow-up, etc. My Maps arrives just to fill that gap: It lets you take your custom maps a couple of levels higher..
Among the things you can do Google My Maps highlights:
- Mark fully customized routes with all the places you want to visit on the same map.
- Create different layers to group points of interest depending on its type or the day of the visit.
- Design tours by car, on foot or by bicycle directly on the map.
- Draw lines and areas by hand to delimit zones, neighborhoods, natural parks, service areas, etc.
- import data from spreadsheets or .csv, .xlsx, .kml or .gpx files and instantly convert them into a map.
In addition to all this, My Maps allows customize icons, colors, and descriptions For each point, you can add photos and videos, change the base map type, and easily share it with others or embed it on a website. In short, it's a way to transform an ordinary map into a powerful planning tool.
What do you need to use Google My Maps and how do I access it?
All you need to use My Maps is have an active Google account and a device with an internet connectionYou don't need anything else. You can create and edit custom maps from your computer's browser, as well as from your mobile phone or tablet.
Although there is a specific app for Android (and integration on iOS via Google Maps), the easiest way to start is use the desktop version on the computerThe large screen and mouse make it much easier to organize layers, drag points, draw lines, or thoroughly review all the details of a route.
There are several ways to access My Maps, but The most direct one is usually:
- Enter the website of Google My Maps from the browser.
- Sign in with your Google account if you haven't already.
Once you enter, you will see a very simple interface, where you can create new custom maps from scratch and review the ones you already have savedMaps that other people have shared with you and that you have linked to your account will also appear.
It should be remembered that My Maps is the tool to CREATE and EDIT mapsTo consult them when you are traveling, you will normally use the standard Google Maps app on your mobile, from the "Saved > Maps" section.
First steps: creating a new map in Google My Maps
Let's see step by step how to start from scratch. From here, you can adapt the process to your needs, whether it's plan a trip, organize a project, or prepare a map of services for your neighborhood.
On a computer, the basic process would:
- Accede to Google My Maps with your Google account.
- Click the button “Create a new map” or “+ CREATE NEW MAP”.
- In the top left you will see the text “Unnamed mapClick to change the title.
- Add a clear name and a brief description that will help you identify it later.
Once you create it, a map opens that's very similar to the conventional Google Maps, but with a column on the left from which you can manage layers, change the base map and add elementsAt first it may seem a little empty, but as soon as you add a couple of layers and dots, it starts to make sense.
Change map appearance: base map
The overall appearance of the map is controlled from the option “Base map”which you'll see at the bottom of the left panel. Here you choose the "background" you're going to work on, that is, how the streets, terrain, colors, etc. look.
Google My Maps includes various base map styles, among them:
- Standard map (the classic Google Maps map).
- Satellite, with real images of the surface.
- Relief, where mountains and slopes stand out.
- Clearer or darker political maps.
- Simple atlas-type designs or monochromatic ones so that the points stand out more.
- Light and dark physical styles, or a "fast" mode with fewer details.
To change it, you just have to Click on the small arrow next to “Base map” and choose one of the thumbnails. You can change it as many times as you like until you find the style that best suits the use you're going to give the map.
For planning trips, the standard map usually works very well, since It clearly shows streets, place names, and services.But if, for example, you're interested in a hiking route, a relief map or a physical map might be better.
What are My Maps layers and why are they so important?
The layers are, probably, the most powerful and useful feature of Google My MapsImagine each layer as a kind of "transparent sheet" that you place on top of the base map: on one you put accommodations, on another restaurants, on another the itinerary for each day, on another gas stations, etc.
On each map you can add a maximum of 10 layersAnd within each layer, you can store many more points of interest than you'll likely ever need. Each element (a point, a route, an area) is always assigned to a specific layer, allowing you to have everything organized and turned on or off depending on what you want to see at any given time.
Examples Examples of how to organize layers for a trip could be:
- Routes by day (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3…).
- Places to visit “only if you have extra time”.
- Food & drink (restaurants, bars, cafes).
- Where to sleep (hotels, apartments, campsites).
- Gas stations and service areas.
- Recommended parking.
- Special places in the destination: wineries, viewpoints, natural parks, churches, photo spots, etc.
When you create a new map, My Maps generates a single default layerIf you want to add more, tap "Add layer" in the top left. You can rename, reorder, and hide them as you wish.
One of the best things about capes is that You can show or hide each one with a single click.This is perfect for viewing, for example, just the Day 1 itinerary and restaurants, or just the main points of interest without the noise of the rest of the information.
Add points of interest: the foundation of your map
Once you have chosen your base map and planned your layers, the fun begins: Start adding sitesThis process can be done in two ways:
- Manually, one by oneusing the search engine and the PIN.
- Importing data from files .csv, .xlsx, .kml or .gpx (ideal if you have a long list in a spreadsheet).
For most beginners, the easiest way is to add points manually. At the top of the map you have a search engine similar to Google MapsSimply type in the name of the place and verify that the result actually corresponds to the site you are looking for.
Once located, you will see the option in the location's details. “+ Add to map”Clicking there will create a marker on the currently selected layer. If you click on the wrong layer, don't worry: you can correct it later. move the point to another layer without complications.
If the place doesn't appear in the search results (something that sometimes happens with very new or little-known places), you can use the pin tool located below the search boxThis option allows you to manually place a marker at the exact point on the map and add a custom name to it.
Customize the points: icons, colors, descriptions, and photos
Each time you add a point, My Maps lets you edit them in considerable detailYou can change the displayed name, add a description, select a different color, and even choose specific icons (restaurant, camera, bed, church, gas station, etc.).
For example, for a cathedral you might choose a cross icon and color it purple, while for restaurants you would use a green cutlery icon. That way, Just by looking at the map you already know what kind of place it iseven before clicking on the point.
In addition, the dot token allows you Attach photos and additional notessuch as schedules, prices, tips, or useful links. This is very helpful so you don't have to search for this information in emails, websites, or documents: you have it all right on the map.
By working this way, it's quite common to end up with very complete custom maps: for example, A map of a city with all points of interest by dayEach day with a different color, another layer with restaurants, another with accommodations and another with extra ideas "just in case there is time".
Create automatic routes: routes by car, on foot or by bike
In addition to marking individual locations, Google My Maps allows create complete routes that link multiple pointsThey are perfect for visualizing how the stops on a road trip or the points to visit on a day of walking tourism are linked together.
To create this type of route, you must use the tool of “add instructions”which also generates a new layer specifically for that route. By doing so, you choose whether the route will be:
- By car.
- Cycling.
- By walking.
Then you just have to keep adding points (places already created on your map or new addresses) until you form the complete route. Keep in mind that Each indication layer supports a maximum of 10 pointsSo if your itinerary is very long, you'll probably need to divide it into several layers.
In the route's list of points you will be able to rearrange the stops by dragging themAnd in the three-dot menu, next to the route layer name, you'll have access to the step-by-step directions, total distance, and estimated time of the tour.
A very powerful advantage is that, if the route suggested by Google doesn't quite suit you, You can manually drag the route line across other roads or paths.This is especially interesting on road trips, when you want to avoid motorways or prefer scenic roads; for example, following a legendary route like the N2 in Portugal instead of the expressway.
Draw areas, lines and routes “by hand”
My Maps also includes tools for draw lines, polygons, and areas directly on the mapUnlike automatic routes, here you decide each segment without Google planning the route for you.
These types of elements are very practical for things like:
- To mark a specific area of a city (for example, the neighborhood where you are staying or an area with regulated parking).
- Draw an approximate border of a natural park or a territory you want to highlight (and consult data with the new land registry app).
- Point to a hiking trail which does not exactly match the paths proposed by Google.
- Delineate work areas, delivery zones, or commercial sectors in professional projects.
These tools may not be essential for all "homemade" maps, but it's good to know they're there in case you ever need them. to mark less conventional areas or routes than the standard routes.
View maps you can't edit: viewer mode
Sometimes you'll open a Google My Maps map that isn't yours and You won't see an editing optionThat means you're viewing it in viewer mode, with read-only permissions.
In that mode you can:
- Search for content within the map using the search box.
- Show or hide layers as you wish.
- View the map with satellite view.
- Share, export or print the map, if the owner allows it.
If you want to see how one of your own maps looks in this mode, you can use the option "Preview"And if you're interested in editing a map that belongs to someone else, you'll have to request editing permissions from the owner.
How to view your maps: computer and mobile?
Once you have several maps created, you'll want to be able to access them both to continue editing and to use them as a guide when you're on the ground. Luckily, it's quite simple.
View maps from your computer
When you save a new map, My Maps automatically stores it in your Google Drive, within “My Drive”From there you can organize it into folders (for example, "Trips 2025", "Clients", etc.) like any other file.
To open it again, simply Go to Google Drive, locate the map, and click on it.If you have many documents, you can also search by the name you gave them using Drive's internal search engine.
View maps from your mobile phone using the Google Maps app
If you want to take your maps on the trip, the most practical thing to do is Use them within the Google Maps app on your mobile phoneThe process is:
- Open the Google Maps app on your phone.
- Go to the section "Saved".
- Go to the “Maps” section.
- There you will see the Latest maps created or saved in your account, both from the computer and from other devices.
With this, you can check your layers and points while walking or driving to your destinationwhich is a huge relief compared to carrying the information scattered in notes, emails or screenshots.
View maps from your mobile browser
If for any reason you cannot or do not want to use the Google Maps app, it is also possible Open the maps from your mobile browser.. For it:
- Access your account Google Drive from the phone's browser.
- Find the folder where you have the map saved.
- Click on the three dots in the file and copy the link to open it.
- Paste that link into your browser and The map view will open.
It's not the most convenient method, but can get you out of a jam when you don't want to install additional applications or you are using a shared device.
Can I view My Maps offline?
The combination of My Maps with Google Maps offline maps is a bit peculiar. Overall, for To view your custom map, you need some connection, at least while loading it.Once charged, you can move around the area a bit, but it's not a perfect solution if you're completely offline.
The most recommendedIf you know you're going to run out of data, it's:
- Download the map of the area in Google Maps beforehand. (not your My Map, but the geographical area) to use it offline.
- Make sure of Open your My Maps map while you have an internet connection so that it remains in your memory and you can continue to see it for a while.
Even so, to avoid surprises, it's ideal to have some way to connect to the Internet with some regularity (for example, data eSIM cards or a good roaming plan) when you really want to get the most out of your custom maps in distant destinations.
How to share your custom Google My Maps?
One of the great advantages of My Maps is how simple it is to use. share your custom maps with other peopleWhether it's for a group trip, to show a route in a blog, or to send your clients' location to a coworker.
From the map interface, in the upper left corner, you will see the button "Share"Clicking it opens a box with various access and permission options.
Share custom maps via link
The most convenient option is usually to activate “Share via link”This generates a URL that you can send via email, WhatsApp, social media, etc. It's most common to configure access so that the map is visible to anyone who has that link.
Additionally, you can decide who receives the link They can only view the map or also edit itIf it's a map for organizing a group trip and you want everyone to be able to add places, it might make sense to grant editing permissions. If it's a public map on your blog, it's usually only viewable.
Embed the map in a web page or blog
If you have a website, embedding your custom maps in your articles can be beneficial. a huge value for your readers. To do this:
- Click on the three dots next to the map name.
- Choose the option “Insert on my site”.
- Copy the HTML code shown and paste it into your page.
It is important that, before inserting it, you have configured access in “Sharing” so that Anyone with the link can view the mapOtherwise, your readers will find an empty map or an error.
Export the map to KML/KMZ for other apps
If you use other map applications, such as Maps.me or other GPS navigators that work better offline, you can Export the contents of your My Map to KML or KMZ format and then import it into those apps.
To it:
- Go to the three-dot menu next to the map name.
- Choose “Export to KML/KMZ”.
- Choose what you want to export (the entire map or just a specific layer) and download the file.
This trick is very useful if you travel to places with Limited connectivity and you want to have your points of interest visible without relying so much on the network.
Real-world usage examples and little tricks for custom maps
After using My Maps for a while, it's normal that end up becoming an indispensable tool If you like to plan things well. There are those who can no longer imagine a trip without their personalized map where they have everything: what to see, where to eat, where to go, what to leave "just in case there's extra time"...
Some common usesFor travel as well as other areas, they could be:
- Plan in detail a road trip through several countriesseparating by days and highlighting gas stations, viewpoints and accommodations.
- Organize a city break with layers for different days and another for bars and restaurants.
- Create a map of customers or delivery points to optimize trade routes.
- Prepare a shared map for an event, with recommended hotels, venues, parking and nearby points of interest.
As you gain confidence, you start to take advantage of details like the intelligent use of colors and icons, the order of the layers, or including quick notes at each point with the information you will actually consult (schedules, entrance price, whether reservations are required, etc.).
By mastering these basic Google My Maps functions—map creation, layer management, adding and customizing points, automatic routes, drawn areas, viewing on mobile and desktop, and sharing options—you'll have it all at your fingertips. A very powerful tool for organizing trips, projects, and any type of route, with the peace of mind of having all the information well organized in one place and being able to consult or share it whenever you want. Share this Google Maps tutorial for creating custom maps.