Personalizing Google Maps: My Maps

In my previous post I introduced the My Maps feature of Google Maps: a feature added by Google to bring maps mash-up to the masses.

This effort to bring a more personalized experience to users of the Google Maps service is a two-pronged approach. First, users are given a basic set of tools to create and annotate personalized maps. Second, users are given a directory of interactive maps created by other people.

To start, from the Google Maps main view, click on the My Maps tab on the top. This will bring out the My Maps sidebar where you can do either of the three things: The create new map gets you started in creating your own annotated map, the Add content button brings up the directory of maplets that you can add to your own personalized version of Google maps. You can also quickly use one of the featured content shown at the bottom part of the My Maps sidebar by clicking on it.

For example, below is the Google Real Estate Search, showing the form where you enter your search criteria, and the list of results below it, each one corresponding to a particular push pin on the map.

Examples of these maplets include a US Address Lookup, Gas Prices, Google Real Estate search, Weather Bug and even a distance tool and an area calculator.

There are many map content that you can see in the directory that you can use. If you want to add a particular maplet / content to your maps, just click add. These will be added to the My Maps sidebar. From there, enabling a content to show in your personalize Google Map is as simple as ticking the checkbox beside it.

Creating Maps

My Maps also allows you to create your own maps.

You can create your own maps to:

• Mark your favorite places on your map
• Draw lines and shapes to highlight paths and areas
• Add your own text, photos, and videos
• Share your map with friends and family

To start creating your own map,

1. Click on the Create new map link (or the Create new map button if you still have an empty My Maps sidebar)
2. Add a title and description for your map
3. Use the icons in the top right corner of the map

The Google Maps user guide section on My Maps has a comprehensive tutorial explaining all the things you can do in your created map.

Now you can start personalizing your own Google Maps.