Introduction
This free Google Maps™ tutorial has been produced by White Rock Solutions as part of a series of complete and comprehensive step by step guides to using Google Maps™ to add a searchable interactive Google™ location map to your web site.
Overview : Create and Edit Custom Google Maps™
After signing in to Google™ with your Google™ account you can use the My Maps functionality of Google Maps™ to create personalized, annotated, customized Google Maps™ and share them with family & friends around the world.
Part 1 – Pre-Requisites for Using My Maps
Part 2 – Create a Google™ Map
Part 3 – Edit / Delete a Google™ Map
Pre-Requisites for Using My Maps.
1.1 – Google™ Account
To use the My Maps feature of Google Maps™ you will need an existing Google™ account. Alternatively, you can create a new Google™ account.
1.2 - Sign in to Google Maps™ with your Google™ Account
(a) Open the Google Maps™ website in your web browser.
(b) Click the Sign in link in the top right hand corner of the page to sign in to Google™ with your Google™ account.
(c) Enter your Google™ account Email and Password details and click the 
button.
Create a Google™ Map
(a) If not already signed in, sign in to Google™ with your Google™ Account.
(b) Open the Google Maps™ website in your web browser and select the My Maps <tab>.
(c) Click the 
button.
(d) “Created by me” lists the title(s) of all custom Google Maps™ that you have created using My Maps. By default the new “untitled” map will be selected (
) and in edit mode.
Note
If this is not your first map and an existing map was also previously selected () in your “Created by me” list then the Placemarks, Lines and Shapes from the existing selected map will be visible on the map.
To avoid any confusion, de-select any existing maps in your “Created by me” list whilst you are creating your new map.
Click using your left mouse button the check box to the left of the existing map’s title to remove the tick (
) and de-select the map.
(e) In edit mode, the Map properties can be edited
- Enter a Title for the Map EG: Brisbane Attractions
Note
As you enter a title, the title of the map in the “Created by me” list is dynamically updated.
- Enter a Description for the Map EG: Tourist attractions near Brisbane.
- Select whether to make your map: -
Public : Public maps are listed in Google Maps™ search results and are listed on your public Google Maps™ profile.
Unlisted : Unlisted maps are NOT listed in Google Maps™ search results and are NOT listed on your public Google Maps™ profile.
- Click the
button to save your changes. Alternatively, click the 
button to save your changes and exit edit mode.
(f) In edit mode, the map editor toolbar is overlayed on the top left hand corner of the map. The map editor toolbar can be used to add Placemarks, Lines and Shapes to your custom map.
Edit / Delete a Google™ Map
If not already signed in, sign in to Google™ with your Google™ Account. Open the Google Maps™ website in your web browser and select the My Maps <tab>.
(a) In the “Created by me” list of maps, ensure the Map you would like to edit is selected (). If not, click using your left mouse button the check box () to the left of the Map title in the list to select the Map.
(b) Click the 
button to activate edit mode and display the Map and any existing Placemark, Line or Shape properties.
(c) To edit the Map title, description or privacy settings follow the instructions for creating a new Map (Refer Part 2 of this tutorial – Create a Google™ Map).
(d) To delete a Map click the “
” button to the right of the Map title. Google™ will prompt you to confirm your request to delete the Map.
