Google’s My Maps

About

This is a tool which allows users to draw points and lines for key features on a map which is very useful when undertaking a town assessment. The tool allows users to

• Create any number of maps (e.g. maps for lighting assessments, cycling assessment, habitat assessment) Assessment worksheet
• Export the maps as image to be embedded into report or etownz dashboard
• Share the maps with other so they can collaborate

Create a map

1. Login to your google account and navigate to My Maps.
2. Click Create a new map.
3. Go to the top left and click “Untitled map.”
4. Give your map a name and description.

Open a map

1. On your computer, sign in to My Maps.
2. You’ll see maps you’ve made or viewed as well as maps shared with you.
3. Optional: To see popular maps and staff picks, click Explore.

How to edit a map

1. Create and name a “Map Layer” e.g. Lighting Assessment, Biodiversity Assessment etc
2. Add points or lines to the map as required. After you create the line/point it will allow you to add description or colours
3. Next to “Base map” in the bottom of the left panel, click the Down Arrow .
4. To choose a style, click one of the images.

View maps you can’t edit

If you can open a map but can’t edit what’s on it, you’re in the map viewer. While in the map viewer, you can still:

• Search the map contents
• Show or hide layers
• View the map with satellite imagery
• Share, export, and print the map

If you own a map and want to see how it looks in the map viewer, click Preview . To ask for edit access for a map you don’t own, contact the map’s owner.

Add places to your map

You can add important places by searching for locations or drawing them directly on the map.

1. Open or create a map. A map can have up to 10,000 lines, shapes, or places.
2. Click Add marker .
3. Select a layer and click where to put the place. A layer can have 2,000 lines, shapes, or places.
4. Give your place a name.
5. Click Save.

Search for places

You can add restaurants, hotels, museums, and other public places to your map.

1. Open or create a map.
2. In the search bar, type the name or address of a place.
3. Click one of the results on the map.
4. If the result is what you want, click Add to map.

Edit a place

1. On your computer, sign in to My Maps.
2. Open or create a map.
3. Click an existing place on the map. In the bottom right of the box that appears, use the icons to make changes.
   • Remove a photo: Click Edit . Then go to the photo and click Remove .
   • Move place: Drag the feature on the map.

Draw lines & shapes in My Maps

You can trace a path or highlight an area on your map by drawing lines and shapes.

1. On your computer, sign in to My Maps.
2. Open or create a map. Maps have the following size limits:
   • Up to 10,000 lines, shapes, or places
   • Up to 50,000 total points (in lines and shapes)
   • Up to 20,000 data table cells
3. Click Draw a line Add line or shape.
4. Select a layer and click where to start drawing. A layer can have 2,000 lines, shapes or places.
5. Click each corner or bend of your line or shape. To move the map, click and hold the mouse.
6. When you’re finished drawing, double-click or complete the shape.
7. Give your line or shape a name.
8. When you’re done, click Save.

Edit or delete lines or shapes

1. On your computer, sign in to My Maps.
2. Open or create a map.
3. Click an existing place on the map. In the bottom right of the box that appears, use the icons to make changes.
   • Remove a photo: Click Edit . Then go to the photo and click Remove .
   • Move place: Drag the feature on the map.

How to Share with Collaborators

Google Mymaps allows you to work with collaborators. To do this they must also have a gmail account.

• Click on the share button

• When the popup appears, click on “Drive Sharing”

3. In the subsequent pop up enter the gmail email address of the person you would like to share + edit this map with.