google my maps

Today, Google added a new feature to Google Maps - My Maps - that allows users to create a cool map using Google Maps within a few clicks (Google Blog: Map making so easy caveman can do it).

  1. Go to Google Maps.
  2. Click My Maps > Create new map.
  3. Add a title and description for your map. You can make your map public or unlisted.
  4. Use the icons in the the top right corner of the map. These include:
    • Selection tool - Use this to drag the map and select placemarks, lines, and shapes.
    • Placemark tool - Use this to add placemarks.
    • Line tool - Use this to draw lines.
    • Shape tool - Use this to draw shapes.

You can use HTML in the placemark description, but some elements, like script, is prohibited, but you can use the blink tag and the image tag!

After adding one or two placemarks, you can download the data in KML format, which then can be opened in Google Earth, or share it with others.

Making your own Google Maps has been getting easier and easier. Back in the days, only people familiar with the Google Maps API could make a cool map like this. Now, phew, in a snap! :)

UPDATE: Philipp da Artist drew a face on Google Maps… :)

[thanks Christian!]