Whether you’re checking traffic on your way to work or traveling somewhere you’ve never been, Google Maps has handy features that can help you avoid frustration along the way – especially since traveling by car will pick up soon.
- Create a Mind Map
- What are some mind map uses?
- Creating a Custom Map in Google Maps
- Custom Map Layers
- Adding Components to a Custom Map in Google Maps
- Adding a Marker Point
- Adding Lines or Shapes
- Creating Custom Directions
- SnazzyMaps
- Mapme
- Hide your location by using Google Maps Incognito Mode
- Planning several stops on the way? Google Maps can account for the time it’ll tack on
- How-to Craft a Map
- Step 1: Create a Compass
- Step 2: Find Sugar Cane
- Step 3: Create Paper
- Step 4: Create a Blank Map
- Step 5: Set the Location
- Using a Cartography Table
- Option #1: Use Lucidchart to add a concept map directly to Google Docs
- Option #2: Use Google Docs to manually make a concept map
- Concept map examples
- Choose Lucidchart to create a concept map for Google Docs
- Railroads
Create a Mind Map
Learn how to create a mind map like the wrinkled color image below!
A mind map is an amazing visual tool that can help:
explain your ideas
stimulate your creativity
renew your sense of purpose
rejuvenate the joy of life
Wow, is mind mapping really all that?
Yes, if you are fully involved in this process!
Basically, a map is a visual representation of a place, detailing items of interest. A mind map therefore represents the contents of your mind. Cool huh?
What are some mind map uses?
You can create a mind map on as many topics as you want. The possibilities are truly endless!
One of the most popular uses of a mind map is to create a mind map of your goals. This allows you to articulate your goals, put them on paper, and see how they relate to each other. You can create a mind map of immediate goals (such as daily tasks or an extensive to-do list) or a mind map of long-term goals that stretch far into the future.
When you’re done, you’ll have a beautiful mind map that you can hang on the wall in your studio or workplace, tape it to a sketchbook, or place it anywhere that lets you view it every day. By visualizing your goals, you can help focus your energy and focus your intentions on what you want to do or achieve.
Therefore, let your inner light shine as you create your mind map. Let the mind map express your innermost essence. Often, mind maps are readable and understandable only to the person who created them. And that’s okay!
Creating a Custom Map in Google Maps
A custom map in Google Maps does not allow you to create a new landscape – you are stuck on planet Earth. However, it does allow you to add your own landmarks, routes and locations.
You can also draw your own shapes on an existing map to add details to an existing map. While you can view a custom map in the Google Maps app for Android and iOS, you can only create one using the desktop version of Google Maps.
To get started, go to the Google Maps website and sign in with your Google account. Once logged in, hit the hamburger menu icon in the top left corner.
In the options menu, click “Your Places.
In the “Your Places” menu that appears on the left, click the “Maps” tab. At the bottom of the menu, select the “Create Map” button.
The map creation window will appear in a new tab. To name it, select the text “Untitled Map” at the top of the menu on the left.
In the “Edit Map Title and Description” menu, add a name and description for your map, then click “Save” to save it.
Custom Map Layers
Your custom map consists of layers, with the “Basemap” layer (the main Google Maps view) at the bottom.
You can customize the appearance of the Base Map layer by selecting the radio arrow next to Base Map and choosing a different map theme.
When creating a new custom map in Google Maps, a new “Untitled layer is added by default.
You can add as many layers as you want to a custom map, allowing you to separate different elements of the new map from one another by clicking the “Add Layer” button.
If you want to rename this layer, select the three-dot menu icon next to the layer, then click “Rename Layer” in the drop-down menu.
To remove it, select “Delete Layer.
Adding Components to a Custom Map in Google Maps
A custom map in Google Maps can be customized with a variety of components. You can add marker points, shapes or lines as well as directions directly on the map.
To get started, make sure you’re in the custom map editor by going to the Google Maps site and selecting the hamburger menu> Your Places> Maps> Create Map.
Adding a Marker Point
A custom marker point is a point that appears on the map. You can use this to add additional descriptions to the area as well as indicate to map users a location or an area that is not specified in the ‘Basemap.
To add a new marker point to the map, make sure to locate the appropriate area on the “Basemap” layer. When you’re ready, select the “Add Marker” button in the menu below the search bar in the custom map editor.
Using the mouse or trackpad, click an area of the map. This will bring up the tag editor – add a suitable name and description, then select “Save” to add it to the map.
Adding Lines or Shapes
You can add your own lines and shapes to your map to highlight specific areas.
To do this, click “Draw Line” in the menu below the search bar, and then select “Add Line or Shape.
Add a custom name and description to the object in the pop-up menu before selecting “Save” to confirm.
Creating Custom Directions
A custom map can also be used to share A to B directions by creating a directions layer.
To do this, click “Add Tips” in the menu below the search bar to create this layer.
The hints layer appears in the menu on the left. Add the departure point to the ‘A’ text box and the arrival point to the ‘B.
Click2Map is an easy-to-use mapping tool that allows you to create maps tailored to your needs. Click2Map allows you to conveniently place the built-in markers from their huge library to make your map more informative and interactive.
SnazzyMaps
A repository of various styles of Google Maps, SnazzyMaps is a mapping tool designed specifically for web designers and developers. There are different styles to choose from including default (Google Map style), gift, light or monochrome etc.
The process of creating a map with SnazzyMaps is quite simple. You go to their Map Maker page, enter the required information (style, size, tags, and language) in the appropriate fields, and that’s it. You can save these maps for free and use them in any personal or commercial project.
Mapme
A tool that allows you to create interactive maps, Mapme is simple and easy to use. You don’t need to be a developer or GIS expert to use this tool. It is enough to use the editor rich in functions, create or adjust an interactive map.
What I like the most about Mapme is that the maps created with this tool are optimized for mobile devices by default. You can also embed these interactive maps on your site and even get a printable version of them.
Natural Earth is a public domain map data collection available at scales 1: 10m, 1: 50m and 1: 110 million. With tightly integrated vector and raster data, with Natural Earth you can create visually diverse, well-crafted maps using mapping software or GIS.
Hide your location by using Google Maps Incognito Mode
The feature for Android and iPhone users allows you to use Incognito mode when using Google Maps. This means that you can hide your location from other Maps users, as well as the locations you search. So if you are trying to surprise your special someone with a fancy necklace this is what you have to do.
Open the Google Maps app, tap on your profile icon in the top right corner and select Turn on Incognito Mode. If you want to disable this setting, follow the same steps and select Disable Incognito Mode.
Explore smart gadgets and internet smart tips and tricks with our fun and imaginative guides.
Planning several stops on the way? Google Maps can account for the time it’ll tack on
If Google says your journey takes seven hours but ends up going eight hours, it could be because you missed many stops along the way. Google Maps allows you to add stops so you can get a more accurate target time.
1. In the Google Maps app, enter your first destination, such as a gas station or coffee shop.
2. Tap Directions.
3. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
4. Tap Add stop. Add as many stops as you anticipate.
5. When you’ve finished adding stops, tap Done. Now you will get a more accurate ETA when planning your trip.
The feature uses a camera to scan buildings around you and places a huge arrow on the screen to help you find the exact location you need to be. Here’s how to use it.
How-to Craft a Map
Creating maps in Minecraft requires a bit more resources than you might think. While it’s relatively easy to get them paper, you also need a Compass! This may be a bit more difficult to obtain early in the game.
Step 1: Create a Compass
As I mentioned, first we will need the Compass to create one of them, we will need 1x Redstone and 4x Iron Ingots. You’ll probably have to go down into the cave or find both, because while the iron blocks appear relatively high, the redstone blocks can only be found fairly close to the bottom of the map (maybe you’ll find some diamond too!).
After solving the problem of iron bars and red dust and creating a Compass, we will move on to the next step!
Step 2: Find Sugar Cane
Now we’re gonna need the sugar cane. This can be found naturally near water, or you can buy it from the Wandering Merchant for each Emerald. If you get some, you should probably start a small sugarcane farm. It can only grow next to water, so find a nearby lake / river to plant it, or dig a site and fill it with water and plant it next to it!
Step 3: Create Paper
Once you find some sugarcane, you’ll need three of them to make 3x paper.
Step 4: Create a Blank Map
You need a total of nine Papers to craft, so collect it and grab the Compass! Here is the recipe for getting a blank map (9x Paper, 1x Compass):
Step 5: Set the Location
Once you have a blank map, just press the Use Item / Location Block key to display the map around the location you are currently at!
Using a Cartography Table
In some versions of Minecraft (Bedrock and PS4), you can also use a mapping table to create a map. First, create a table:
Once that’s done, just insert a single piece of paper into the bottom hole! That’s it, you just created a blank map. Here are some other things you can create:
- Map + Paper = Expanded Clear Map
- Map + Blank Map = Cloned Map
- Map + Windshield = Map locked
- Map + Compass = Locator Map (Ground)
- Blank Map + Compass = Locator Blank Map (Bedrock)
- Paper + Compass = Locator Blank Map (floor)
The feature uses a camera to scan buildings around you and places a huge arrow on the screen to help you find the exact location you need to be. Here’s how to use it.
Option #1: Use Lucidchart to add a concept map directly to Google Docs
Stop struggling with drawing concept maps in Google Docs – instead use Lucidchart integration with G Suite to add diagrams directly to your documents. Use Lucidchart’s intuitive diagramming tools, shape libraries, and template assortment to create an easy-to-understand concept map in minutes. Then insert diagrams into Google Docs without hassle. Integration configuration is simple and completely free! If you need additional help, check out our step-by-step guide to creating a concept map.
How to install the Lucidchart add-on for Google Doc
To get started, follow these simple steps to download the Lucidchart add-on for Google Doc:
- Open a new Google Doc.
- Select Add-ons> Get Add-ons.
- Search for and select Lucidchart.
- Give Lucidchart access to Google Docs.
- Log in with your Lucidchart credentials and you’re good to go!
How to insert a concept map with Lucidchart
The Lucidchart add-on makes inserting a high-resolution concept map image into a Google Doc quick and easy.
- Open your Google Doc.
- Go to Extras> Lucidchart Diagrams> Insert Diagram.
- Find the diagram you want to insert.
- Click the “+” button in the corner of the image. A preview will appear.
- Click on “Insert”. Now your concept map should be in the Google Doc.
Create a new concept map in Google Docs using the add-on
By using the add-on, you can also quickly access the Lucidchart editor to create a concept map and add it to your document. To get started, check out these templates to find inspiration in the next concept map!
- Open a new Google document.
- Go to Extras> Lucidchart Diagrams> Insert Diagram.
- Click the orange “+” button icon at the bottom of the panel.
- Select a suggested template to customize or a blank document from the popup.
- Create your concept map in the Lucidchart editor.
- Go back to your Google Doc and select the newly created concept map.
- Click on the “+” in the corner of the image.
- Select “Insert” to add the Concept Map to your Google Doc.
Update your concept map with the Lucidchart add-on
easily update diagrams in Google Docs without having to re-insert the entire diagram using the Lucidchart add-on.
- Open your Google Doc.
- Go to “Extras.”
- Go to Lucidchart Diagram> Update Inserted Diagrams. All your diagrams are up to date now!
For additional help installing the Lucidchart add-on, please visit the Help Center or watch the video tutorial below.
Option #2: Use Google Docs to manually make a concept map
To create a concept map in Google Docs, you need to use the native Google diagramming app, Google Drawings. Keep in mind, however, that creating a concept map using Google Drawings is a long and complicated process, and your shapes won’t be linked when creating the diagram.
How to make a concept map using Google Drawings
- Open a new Google document
- Go to Insert> Drawing.
- Use the shape icon to add shapes and line icons to connect them.
- Double-click the shape to add text.
- Click “Save & Close.”
- Double-click the drawing to return to the editor and make changes.
- Voila! You have created a concept map!
Concept map examples
At the beginning, we will make it easier for you. Instead, save time and try one of our templates. Just click on a template to open it in your Lucidchart account and start editing.
Concept map template (Click image to modify online) Photosynthesis Concept map example (Click image to modify online) Sales management concept map example (Click image to modify online)
Choose Lucidchart to create a concept map for Google Docs
Avoid the frustration of aligning shapes, lines, and text when trying to create a concept map in Google Docs. Lucidchart not only gives you access to dozens of concept map diagram templates, it also makes it easy to start from scratch and collaborate with others.
Create a concept map when you give Lucidchart a chance and start making diagrams.
Organize your ideas in an easy-to-understand diagram with our intuitive concept map maker.
If Google says your journey takes seven hours but ends up going eight hours, it could be because you missed many stops along the way. Google Maps allows you to add stops so you can get a more accurate target time.
Railroads
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Natural Earth is a public domain map data collection available at scales 1: 10m, 1: 50m and 1: 110 million. With tightly integrated vector and raster data, with Natural Earth you can create visually diverse, well-crafted maps using mapping software or GIS.
Natural Earth was built through the collaboration of many volunteers and is supported by NACIS (North American Cartographic Information Society) and is free for use on any type of project (see our Terms of Use page for more information). Get the data
Convenience
Natural Earth solves the problem: finding the right data for small-scale mapping. At a time when the web is flooded with geospatial data, cartographers are forced to waste time sifting through confusing thickets of poorly assigned data to create clean, readable maps. Since your time is precious, Natural Earth data is ready to use.
Neatness matters
A carefully generalized sketch maintains consistent, recognizable geographic shapes at scales 1: 10m, 1: 50m and 1: 110m. Natural Earth was built from the ground up, so you’ll find that all your data layers fit together perfectly. For example, where rivers and national borders are the same, the lines converge.
GIS attributes
However, Natural Earth is more than just a collection of nice lines. Data attributes are equally important to mapping. Most of the data contains embedded function names that are ordered in order of relative importance. Other attributes help create maps faster, such as the width attributes assigned to sections of a river to create constrictions.