How to Create Custom Map Directions Using Google Maps.

Google Maps is a very handy tool to have at your disposal, you can use it to find your way to just about any location you can think of. Although Google Maps is very detailed and has just about every base covered, it still isn’t as good as local knowledge and insight, so why not make your own directions in Google Maps.

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If you are planning a road trip or just want to give someone detailed directions, Google Maps has a great tool you can use. Although it has been around for quite some time, Google My Maps doesn’t really get the attention it deserves. Using Google My Maps you can create your own fully customizable routes, from short trips across your city, to long trips around an entire country. If you like the idea but haven’t had much experience with Google Maps, you’ll find all the instructions you need below.

How to Make Custom Routes, Paths, and Directions using Google My Maps.

To begin, the first thing you need to do is visit the My Maps page. Once you are on the main page, click the Create New Map icon, then click Untitled Map to give your map a name.

When you have named your map, you can start the process of adding directions by clicking the Add Directions icon at the top of the screen.

Next, use the lettered boxes to plan your path, A being your starting point. You can enter addresses, street names and city names into the boxes or click the locations on your map. If you need more than point A and B on your map, click Add Destination to add another point.

Before My Maps will allow you to plan short routes, you need to enter a Start and Finish point, then drag and drop the path between the two points to customize the route. For longer routes, this doesn’t seem to be an issue.  

Note: If you want to change the route you have entered at any stage, click anywhere on the blue line and drag it to the new route you want to use. You’ll need to use a fair amount of the zoom tool to get this perfect.

If you need to mark a point of interest on the map, like a liquor store or pub, you can drop a marker and label it using the Add Marker tool.

Once your map is finished, you can send it to your phone or share it with anyone you choose, simply click Share and select the option that suits you best. You can choose from Facebook, Gmail. Google +, and Twitter. Don’t forget to change access permissions before you finalize your share, you may not want everyone to have the ability to change your planned route.

Note: For Google Maps on iOS tap the Menu icon, then go to Your Places > Maps to find your map.

Generally, I find the most practical way to make a map is to put all your route options and general path on the first layer, then use a second or third layer to add any extra items. Places to visit, landmarks, etc.

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