How To Create a Custom Map in Google Maps

Google Maps has become synonymous with navigation—you can find almost any place on this planet. Not only do you get turn-by-turn directions, but it also contains extensive information about the location. Usually, people use this tool to get from one point to another. But what if you want to do something more with this mapping software? For example, you want to go on a road trip with your friends and plan the journey with this tool. In this instance, learning how to create a custom map in Google Maps is useful.

This guide provides you with comprehensive instructions to make your own maps. It also shows you what else you can do with this mapping software.

How To Create a Custom Map in Google Maps in 6 Steps

Unfortunately, there is no way to create a custom map in Google Maps. Currently, the workaround is to make a map using Google My Maps and view your creation on Google Maps. You’ll need a desktop browser to create the custom chart, as this option isn’t available on Android or iOS devices. The steps below show you how to make your own map:

1. Open Google Maps on a desktop browser and click the hamburger menu. It looks like three parallel lines and is in the search bar.
2. Select Saved from the menu and open the Maps tab.
3. Click Create Map from the bottom of the screen, underneath the Maps tab.
4. Google Maps opens a new tab and takes you to Google My Maps.
5. Click on Untitled Map text, and a popup appears. Here, you can enter the map’s title and description. Select Save after you complete this step.
6. Select Base Map from the menu on the left. Pick any style to change the chart’s default look.

What you do on Google My Maps will sync automatically with Google Maps. The above steps will create a custom map for you. However, this is just the foundation; you can customize Google Maps as per your requirements.

How to Customize the Map You Create on Google My Maps

After you make the base map, the next step is customization. It’s okay if you don’t know where to start, as this guide will walk you through each step:

• Add Marker – When you click it, you can place a pin or marker anywhere on the map. In the popup, provide a name and description for the marker. You can upload a photo or video if you click the camera button. After you save the pin, select the paint bucket button to change the color and icon. You can also get directions to this pin.
• Draw a Line – With this tool, you can draw shapes or add a driving, walking, or biking route. If you want only to make a line, click the endpoint. You need to connect the first and last points to make a shape. After you create a line or a shape, you can change its color, transparency, and border width.
• Add Directions – This feature lets you map a route with multiple stops. When you click this button, it creates a new layer on the map. Initially, you have to enter the names of two locations. You can also add more places by clicking the Add Directions button. However, you can’t customize this layer, like changing its color or icons.
• Measure Distances and Areas – Use this feature to find the distance between two points or the area of a shape. Click this button and draw an outline or a line. To get the area of a shape, you need to connect the start and end points.
• Add Layer – It allows you to create multiple layers on a single map. You can change the names of various layers in your chart and create a data table.

How To Change Google Maps Settings To Fastest Route

If you use Google Maps regularly, you’ll notice one issue—it doesn’t always show you the fastest route. You swear this wasn’t the case several years ago, and you’re right. This is a recent change by Google as part of its efforts to help reduce global emissions. 

Google calls this solution eco-friendly routing, which picks fuel-efficient paths. The map will choose the fastest road if it is also fuel-efficient. Otherwise, it takes you through other routes, and you’ll see quicker options as you get closer to your destination. It is available in the United States, Egypt, Canada, and several European countries. The technology needs to account for different driving habits, vehicles, and type of fuel, which varies depending on the region. This is why it isn’t available to everyone worldwide.

If you don’t like this feature, here’s how to change Google Maps settings to the fastest route on your device:

1. Open Google Maps on any smartphone and tap your profile photo in the search bar.
2. Tap Settings and go to Navigation Settings.
3. In this menu, look for Route Options. Underneath this section, you’ll find the Eco-Friendly Routing option. Tap the toggle to deactivate this feature.

When you look for directions to a specific location, it will show you the fastest route. Also, check other roads to see the distance and time it takes to reach the destination. This way, you can ensure your selected route is always the fastest.

How To Rotate Google Maps on Any Device

Rotating Google Maps is essential, as it makes navigation easier. For instance, if you don’t consider the map’s orientation, the left becomes the right and vice versa. This will make it confusing to reach your destination, as you have to take multiple U-turns. The guide below explains how to rotate Google Maps on your smartphone and desktop browser:

Android or iOS Google Maps

Method 1
Tap the GPS button in the Google Maps app, and the map will align itself with the direction you’re facing. As you change directions, the map rotates automatically.

Method 2
Select the compass button on the app to rotate the map automatically according to your orientation. Tap it again to go back to the default setting.

Method 3
Use two fingers and twist it clockwise or anticlockwise to rotate the map. Unlike other methods, this won’t change the orientation according to your direction. You need to do it manually whenever you want to rotate Google Maps.

Desktop Google Maps

1. Go to Google Maps and select the Layers button. This option is available on the bottom left of your screen. It will change the Google map style to Satellite view.
2. Click More and select Globe View to turn on this setting.
3. A compass appears on the right side of your screen. You’ll see two arrows on either side of the compass icon. Click it to rotate Google Maps clockwise or anticlockwise. Alternatively, you can hold the Control button on your keyboard and drag the mouse to rotate the chart.

Note: The keyboard shortcut only works after you enable Globe View on Google Maps.

How To Blur Your House on Google Maps

Although Google Street View is a cool feature, it can also cause privacy issues. For instance, criminals can use it to learn more about your property’s security. Or, it can be a picture of you inside your house, which you don’t want people to see. Fortunately, you can ask Google to take action to protect your privacy. Here’s how to blur your house on Google Maps:

1. Enter your property’s address on Google Maps or allow the mapping tool to detect your location automatically.
2. You’ll see a yellow icon that looks like a person at the bottom of your screen. Drag this icon and place it on your house to enter Street View.
3. Look at your property and click the three-dot button. Select Report a Problem.
4. On the new page, change the view in the photo until it is on your house.
5. Under the ‘Why Are You Reporting This Image?’ section, select My Home. This option is visible in the Request Blurring section. 
6. Share your email address and complete the reCAPTCHA verification. 
7. Click Submit to send the form.

Google will contact you via the email address you shared. Depending on your case, they will provide updates or ask you for additional information.

How To Drop Multiple Pins on Google Maps

If you try to add multiple pins on Google Maps, you’ll notice it doesn’t work. The app only allows you to place one marker on your map. So, how do you drop numerous pins on Google Maps? You’ll need Google My Maps to do this. Here’s how to drop multiple pins on Google Maps with the help of Google My Maps:

1. Go to Google My Maps on your desktop browser and select + Create a New Map.
2. Use the search bar to find the precise location to place the pin.
3. Click the Add Marker button.
4. Click on the location to place a pin on your map.
5. Repeat steps 1 – 4 to continue adding multiple markers to your map.

You can customize these pins to match your preferences. For instance, if you don’t like the default icon, you can swap it out for a new one. Alternatively, you can also upload your icons and use them.

If you want to map a route using these markers, follow these steps:

1. Select the Add Layer button and click the new layer from the menu.
2. Use the Add Marker button to place pins in multiple locations. Remember to give them unique names, as this will be helpful later.
3. After you place all the markers, click the Add Directions button.
4. For each location, enter the name of the custom markers on your map. You’ll now have a route map with these pins.

The steps below explain how to view this custom map:

1. Open Google Maps and tap the Saved button in the bottom navigation bar.
2. Scroll down until you find the Maps icon. Select it and open your custom map.

You’ll now have multiple markers on Google Maps.

Edit Google Maps: Improving Accuracy and Reliability

You need to know how to suggest edits to do the following:

• Correct address mistakes for a specific location.
• Add or remove roads from the mapping tool.
• Change hours, location, or name of the establishment.
• Inform Google a place is duplicate, closed, or doesn’t exist.

This guide explains how to edit Google Maps so that you can make the necessary changes:

1. Go to Google Maps on your smartphone or desktop browser.
2. Search for the location or manually place a marker on the map where you want to suggest edits.
3. In the location’s card, scroll down till you find Suggest An Edit. 
4. Select why you want to suggest a correction for the given area.
5. You’ll have to provide additional details. 

Google will contact you after it reviews your suggestions.

2 Google Maps Hidden Features You Must Know and Use

Google loves placing easter eggs in all its products. Similarly, Google Maps has several hidden features you may not know about. They are fun to use and often can be a lifesaver. Below are two Google Maps hidden features you probably didn’t know existed:

1. You can mark where you park your vehicle
   It can be confusing to find where you parked your vehicle. Luckily, you don’t have to walk around for several minutes to look for your car, bike, or bicycle. Here’s how to use this powerful feature on Google Maps:
   
   i. Open Google Maps and tap on your location icon.
   ii. Select Save Parking and open More Info.
   iii. You can include notes about the parking spot. Also, if there’s a parking meter, there’s a countdown timer to remind you when it will expire.
2. Check out your timeline to view all the places you visited
   Google Maps records your movement, which you can check out by following these steps:
   
   i. Tap your profile photo if you’re using the Google Maps app. Desktop users should click the hamburger or three horizontal lines icon.
   ii. Select Your Timeline. Here, you can see your daily movement, the places you visited, and insights about your activity.

Use Mapize To Create High-Quality Custom Maps

While Google Maps does offer excellent functionality, it lacks significantly in the customization department. Also, you need to use other tools if you want useful features. For example, you can’t place multiple markers or visit more than ten destinations in one trip.

With Mapize, you can make a custom map as per your preferences:

• Choose from tons of colors and icons.
• Customize the default style of your chart.
• Convert your data into a heat map.
• Group locations using the data you provide.
• Add a radius to know how far various points of interest are from your location.
• Find optimal routes between two or more points.
• Open the maps you share on any device.

If you find the above how to create a custom map in Google Maps limiting, Mapize has you covered. Try Mapize today for free to find out why it’s a better option than Google Maps for making personalized charts!