Lifewire / Julie Bang
Why Google Maps Alone Isn’t Enough
Sounds good, right?
Why not Google Maps?
My Maps is a mapping tool that allows you to create and share custom maps.
Lifewire / Julie Bang
How to Access Google My Maps
My Maps is useful for building detailed custom maps.
The best part is that you could use it in Google Maps when you’re on the road.
Access My Maps on the web atgoogle.com/mymaps.
(You may have to sign in to your Google account.)
If you have an Android gear, check out the Google My Maps app for Android.
My Maps also looks and works great inmobile web browsers.
Your destinations are:
You could enter each destination separately as you arrive at each one.
That takes time, and it doesn’t allow you to customize your route the way you want.
Name your map and include an optional description and selectSave.
Add your start location and all destinations.
Enter the start location in the search field and press theEnterkey.
In the pop-up box that appears over the location on the map, selectAdd to map.
Repeat this for all your destinations.
Pins are added to the map as you add more destinations.
snag the pin for the first destination on your custom map.
In this example, it’s the Rideau Canal Skateway.
In the pop-up box that appears over the location, choose thearrowbutton to get directions to this location.
A new layer is added to your map builder with points A and B.
A is a blank field, and B is your first destination.
throw in your starting location into fieldA.
For this example, the starting location is the CN Tower.
My Maps generates a route from your starting location to your first destination.
Drag the route to customize it.
My Maps gives you the fastest route from one point to another.
You’ll avoid being rerouted by Google Maps when you dive into the map on your phone.
Map Your Remaining Destinations
Add destinations by entering addresses or locations and then dragging them into place.
TypeSmiths Fallsin fieldCto add it.
Then drag it to fix the order so that it falls between the starting point and your second destination.
The downside to this method is that you may need a passenger to navigate the map.
When you click to get directions, you must drop your previous destination in the empty field.
Select thearrowicon (Directions to here).
Enter the current destination (for example, Rideau Canal Skateway) in fieldA.
When you enter the entire destination name, there are suggested options to choose from in the drop-down menu.
Each option has a different icon.
Layers allow you to keep parts of your map separate from others for better organization.
Every time you add new directions, a new layer is created.
It’s up to you, and it depends on how you want to use layers.
Google provides information about what you could do with layers if you’re interested in creating more advanced maps.
launch the Google Maps app and selectSavedfrom the menu on the bottom.
Scroll past your labeled places and saved places to your maps.
You’ll see the name of your map here.
This way, your route takes you exactly where you want it to take you.
Do this for all subsequent destinations as you arrive at each one.
