Creating your map seems complicated, especially if you’re looking to add multiple locations or points. The most popular option available for company maps is the Google Maps application or website. Typically, this method works well for those requiring simple tasks like generating a route or mapping a few points. If you’re looking to add more advanced customization (for example, creating complex routes or mapping several thousand points), you’ll need to look at more advanced mapping functions.
Mapping software is a third-party program that makes adding or editing map data simplified. Most users can implement their data within minutes, building maps using API access. If you’re unsure how to make a map outside of Google, this option is likely the easiest for speed and access. Before deciding, here are three unique methods for map development:
Using the Google Maps App or Website
The Google Maps application allows users to customize mapping options by adding individual or group markers to a generic template. The method is quite simple and cost-effective (they don’t charge for the service), making it an efficient option for companies with limited budgets or experience.
Log in to the Google My Maps page to create your custom Google map. Locate the menu icon on the top left-hand corner and select the “Your Places” option from the menu. Find the “Maps” tab under the main header and select the create map function from the bottom of the screen.
The mapping function works through a drag-and-click function. Once on the map creation page, locate the marker icon to add the item to your map. Find the place on the map and click on that location. After clicking the marker, add the name, description, and any other required attributes to the tag when the popup box appears.
When finished, customize the map details using the name function (shown as “Untitled Map”) and the visual appearance under the three dots on the top left corner. While this method remains the most cost-effective version of mapping, Google Maps offers minimal options for customization.
Using Third-Party Mapping Software
Many third-party programs offer cloud-based functionality built on Google maps. This functionality allows the perfect hybrid of customization features with Google functionality. Many programs include radius maps, heat maps, geographic boundary tools, and multi-stop route planning tools. When creating your map through this software, look for various options to create a custom look.
What is the Best Customization Option Available?
Although every mapping software is different, there are a few standard mapping options companies will find helpful for data interpretation. For example, heat mapping functionality allows the integration of all consumer data visually. The heat map displays a bright color (red or orange, for example) to show densely populated geographic locations for heavily populated areas. On the map, less populated areas will likely show a dull or different hue (potentially green or blue).
Log in to the software or start a free trial to create your custom map with the third-party programs. Visit the homepage of the user interface and select the new map function. Enter the name of your map on the popup screen and choose to continue. Most programs allow uploading through spreadsheets, copy-and-paste functionality, Google Sheets, or manually inputting the details. Select the best option for your corporation and continue with the upload process.
To manually input a marker, select the “Place a marker on the map” button and choose where you’d like to add the icon. After the data is uploaded, choose the customization and mapping options best suited for your business. Popular mapping functions include heat maps, drive-time tools, demographic data, and satellite maps.
Developing a Custom Map with Google Maps API
The Google Maps Platform does offer a custom map functionality that will work specifically how you want it to, without the added cost of third-party programs. The most significant advantage of this method is the flexibility, as it frees up many of the limitations established by Google. Unfortunately, this method does require considerable programming knowledge to use. It can also become time-consuming to build all the features, especially compared to the mapping software. Factor this with the knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and other programming languages, and it has plenty of barriers to use.
Determining the Best Method for Creating Custom Maps
Unfortunately, the best method for creating custom maps depends on the specific company’s need. If you need a map with limited function, Google Maps may hold sufficient. If you’re looking for a simplified way to customize your map with different options and features, a third-party mapping program will remain the best fit. For those with extensive experience in coding and programming languages, the Google Map API would likely remain the most cost-efficient but labor-intensive method for incorporating maps for your business.
