Add Data to Google Maps
Google Maps is a popular and free mapping service offered by Google. Users can search for and display map data in a variety of formats, including a map view, a satellite view and a hybrid of satellite and map data. Map data can include businesses and driving directions. Users with a free Google account can create and edit custom maps that can be shared with others. Customized maps can contain place marks, lines, shapes, rich text and media content.
Instructions
1. Open Google Maps and click the "sign-in" link at the top right side of the page to sign into your Google Account. You cannot create or edit custom maps unless you are signed in. Click the "My Maps" link found at the top left-hand side of the page next to the "Get Directions" link.
2. Enter a name and description for your new map in the fields on the left-hand side of the page. If this is not your first custom map, select one of your previously created maps. Choose the map's privacy and sharing settings. Public maps are listed in the Google search engine and can be found and used by anyone. Only people who have an unlisted map's URL can access it. Enter a name and description, and choose a privacy setting.
3. Locate a map section you want to customize, by searching for an address or business or by using the map dragging and zooming controls.
4. Use the three icons in the upper left-hand corner of the map to add content to your map. The selection tool, which is shaped like a hand, is used to move the map and to select place marks, lines and shapes that you have drawn on a map. The place mark tool, which is shaped like a pin, is used to drop place marks on the map. The line tool is used to draw lines, routes along roads and shapes.
5. Click on your map using the place mark tool. Enter a title and description for your place mark and click "OK." Note that you can enter rich-text descriptions.
6. Click the line tool, and choose "Draw a line along roads." Using the line drawing tool, click on any road. As you move your mouse along the road, a line will be drawn behind it. As you move the mouse, the previous path will adjust behind it, unless you click to place a fixed point. Click the last fixed point on your line to complete it and annotate it with a title and description.
7. Click the "Save" button to save your changes, and the "Done" button to end your map-editing session.
