You’ve got a few options available when you’d like to create a custom map. Thankfully, the map creation is relatively simple, allowing a company or organization the opportunity to view relevant information without sacrificing time and energy.
Create a custom Google map
When you want to create a custom map, start logging into the application page. This website is known as the Google My Maps page but will require an account to access the custom features section. This app requires the user to input the markers manually or as a group upload. Google is free to use but has considerable limitations for most business purposes.
Open the menu at the top-left-hand corner of the page. Users will select the “Your Places” option from the menu, adding markers for every entry. Locate the Maps tab on the right corner and choose the create map function from the bottom.
After your maps load, you’ll want to choose the marker icon to add a placeholder on the page. Locate the place on your map to add the marker and click on it. A pop-up icon will appear on the page for any attributes, names, and descriptions for the individual marker.
Repeat the process by adding the markers individually until all demographics are added to the map. Once all locations appear on the map, customization options are available. To rename the custom map, click the “Location 1” option on the menu and enter a new name. If you’d like to rename individual layers on the map, choose the three dots and enter a new name on the right-hand side. To customize the appearance of your map, locate the “Base Map” menu header. You’ll find a wide array of color and shading options available. When all options are final, click the share button on the menu to post an image in other locations.
Using mapping software to create Google maps
With various mapping options, users can create the perfect map for their business with multiple mapping options, including geographic boundary and territory tools. Most mapping software just like the Route 4 Me app incorporates cloud-based software with Google Maps, turning the basic functionality into extensive customization options and improved functionality. Some functionality includes heat map generators, multi-stop route planners, and more.
Once logged into your mapping software, click on the new map button. Most mapping programs allow spreadsheet, Google sheet, or copy-and-paste options. Depending on preference, inputting the records individually is an option. Select the “Place a marker on the map” button for manual entry. To select a manual entry, use the mouse to choose a new location and place the marker by clicking the mouse.
After upload, individuals can customize the markers and color scheme of the map. Heat maps are available for businesses wanting to see more from their data, adding a level of customer demographic within a geographic boundary.
Finally, individuals can customize the maps for specific purposes. Mapping software features and benefits include automated route planning options and automatic distance calculators for independent planning purposes. Whether you’d like to create an internal map to plan daily routes and schedules or simply like an external map for display on a website, third-party software is a simplified version for Google Maps integration.
Adding custom maps with Google API
The Google Maps Platform allows experienced users a customized option through API programming, and this method often requires extensive HTML programming experience. The Google Maps Javascript API isn’t recommended choice for an easy-to-navigate opportunity.
Choosing the best option for your custom maps
When creating a custom map, looking at functionality, purpose, and the basic features are a critical component. For those wanting a simple and affordable option, the Google Maps platform may work well for your company. API functionality is ideal for anyone willing to invest the time and effort into a custom solution, especially if experienced in programming. Finally, third-party mapping software combines the simple functionality of Google Maps with more advanced functionality for businesses wanting more from their consumer data. Although many third-party programs charge a subscription for the service, the business expense is often worth the added features, functionality, and overall benefits.
One must consider these aspects carefully in creating a custom Google map for their business. This is certainly going to be quite beneficial.
