Learn how to create, add, and organize legends in Google Maps. Enhance the usability and understanding of your map with these simple steps.
Steps to create, add and organize legends in Google Maps.
Creating, adding, and organizing legends in Google Maps isn’t a feature that’s directly available within Google Maps itself. However, you can use Google My Maps, a more customizable version of Google Maps, to create maps with legends. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this in a tabular format:
1. Create a New Map in Google My Maps
- Go to Google My Maps website.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Click on “Create a new map”.
2. Add Layers for Different Categories
- Layers act as legends in Google My Maps.
- Click on “Add Layer” for each category you want to include.
- Rename each layer to represent the category it stands for.
3. Add Points or Shapes to Layers
- Select a layer.
- Use the “Add marker” tool to place points on the map.
- You can also draw lines or shapes if needed.
- Add details for each point or shape in the pop-up box.
4. Customize Icons and Colors
- Click on the point or shape.
- Select the paint bucket icon to change color.
- Choose a new icon to represent different types of locations or categories.
5. Organize and Manage Layers
- Drag layers to reorder them.
- Toggle visibility of layers with the checkbox.
- Use the three-dot menu to rename, delete, or merge layers.
6. Share or Embed Your Map
- Click on the “Share” button to set map visibility.
- Choose to share the link or embed the map on a website.
7. View the Legend
- Your layers act as a legend.
- Users can see the different categories and their corresponding icons/colors.
8. Update as Needed
- Return to My Maps to edit or update your map.
- Changes are saved automatically.
Note: Google My Maps is different from Google Maps. It’s more suitable for custom map creation where legends are needed for various data representation.
Next you are going to select the option Create a new map , the next thing you should do is name it and make a brief description of the map you are going to create. You will also have two options to choose from for this personal map. You can choose to make it private and only you can see it or choose to make it public and everyone has access to it.
Google Maps will offer you a series of tools so that you can mark important points on the map, place markers and legend indicators . You can also use the buttons that will allow you to Zoom and reach street level. In this way you can identify all the sites of your interest , as well as favorite spots.
In the upper left of the map you will find a blue icon, click on it to generate a marker in the shape of a globe. Now you just have to move with the mouse over the map and click on the points of interest to generate a legend icon. Make the necessary edits to describe the places of interest on the map.
As you will realize there is a great variety of legend icons, in this way you can choose to point out restaurants, hotels, bars, shops, offices etc. Try to be very specific and add as many markers as you want . If you can’t find an icon, you can draw it with the function for it, this is in the upper left corner of the map.
Then place yourself on the map where you want to draw the icon and make it, then add the necessary information for the legend of this point. As you can see, your personal map is taking shape, where you have added and organized the legends according to your taste. And this is all you need to know to create, add and organize legends in Google Maps step by step.
Legends are a valuable tool when it comes to enhancing the usability and understanding of your Google Maps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create, add, and organize legends effectively. Remember to consider the elements, categorize them logically, and customize your legend to suit your unique needs. By doing so, you will provide a more user-friendly experience and make your map more informative and visually appealing. Start creating your legends today and take your Google Maps to the next level.
