You can download the data from maps you have created using Google My Maps by exporting them in standard geospatial formats. This allows you to save and use your custom maps and the locations, lines, and shapes you've added.
To download data from a specific map in Google My Maps, follow these simple steps:
- Access Google My Maps: On your computer, navigate to the Google My Maps website.
- Sign In: Sign in to your Google Account if you haven't already done so.
- Open Your Map: Open the specific map that contains the data you wish to download. You can do this by clicking on the map title in your list of maps.
- Find the Menu: In the left panel of the map view, locate the menu icon (often represented by three vertical dots or lines) next to the map title.
- Select Export Option: Click on the menu icon and choose the Export to KML/KMZ option from the dropdown list.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions: A dialog box will appear. You will be prompted to choose whether to export the entire map or a specific layer. You can also select the export format (KML or KMZ). Make your selections and follow any further prompts to download the file to your computer.
Understanding KML and KMZ Files
When you export your Google My Maps data, you will typically get a file in either Keyhole Markup Language (KML) or a zipped version of KML (KMZ).
- KML is an XML-based file format used to express geographic annotation and visualization within Internet-based earth browsers, like Google Earth, Google Maps, and other geospatial software.
- KMZ is a compressed version of a KML file, which can be useful for bundling related files (like images referenced within the KML) into a single archive.
These formats are widely compatible with many mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, allowing you to view or further edit your map data outside of Google My Maps.
Quick Steps Summary
Here is a quick overview of the process:
| Step | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sign in to My Maps | Access My Maps on your computer. |
| 2 | Open a map | Select the map you want to download. |
| 3 | Click Menu | Find the menu icon in the left panel. |
| 4 | Select Export to KML/KMZ | Choose the export option. |
| 5 | Follow On-Screen Instructions | Select layers/format and download. |
By following these steps, you can effectively download your custom map data from Google My Maps for backup, sharing, or use in other applications.
