How to Create a Google Map Mashup
Available for every major smartphone and PC platform, Google Maps has become the standard for mapping and travel. In addition to getting directions or finding points of interest, you can use Google Maps to promote your business and even create a map to embed on your website. Custom maps can be made with a Google account to include information from weather services, real estate and crime maps. You can also add links, photos or video to a map.
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Instructions
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Open your Web browser and navigate to Google's home page (see Resources).
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Click “Login” in the upper right-hand corner and enter your Google account credentials. Click “Sign In.”
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Select “Maps” in the upper left part of the Google home screen.
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Click on “My Maps” to create a custom map.
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Enter an address for your business or choose the city, state or country you want to highlight in the search bar. Click “Search Maps.” The map will place a pin and zoom into the address or region you chose.
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Select the blue pin at the top of the map area and click on the map to place it. This may be a point of interest or city. One placed on the map, click the blue pin to add text. Select “Rich text” to add a link to another website or attach a photo to this location. To add a video, click “Edit HTML” and paste the link to the video you wish to attach.
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Add information from outside sources by clicking “Import” in the left column. In the new window, add an RSS feed or upload a KML or KMZ file to add geographic data to your map. For example, the National Weather Service website will create a KMZ file according to region or state. Upload this file to the map and the data will automatically appear (see Resources). Click “Upload” when finished.
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Use the slider bar on the left side of the map to zoom in and out.
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Choose “Map” or “Satellite” in the upper right-hand side of the map to display road names or terrain respectively.
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Click on the “Link” button on the upper right-hand side of the map when you’re ready to embed the map. Click on “Customize and preview embedded map.”
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Choose how you would like the map to appear on your website. Adjust size and center if needed.
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Click in the box titled, “Copy and past this HTML to embed in your website.” All the text should be highlighted. Select “Edit” from the toolbar and “Copy.”
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Open the blog or website editing tool for your website and paste the HTML code on the page you want to have it displayed.
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Tips & Warnings
When embedded a map into your webpage, make sure the size is small enough to fit without overlapping.
Make sure to enter addresses correctly, including Zip code and street names. Include “SE” for southeast, “Ave” for avenue, “Blvd” for boulevard and any other street abbreviations.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
