How to Create a Custom Map in Google Sheets
When you’re dealing with numbers and digits, charts are the way to go for visualizing data. But what if you’re dealing with coordinates and locations? Contrary to popular belief, data visualization in Google Sheets isn’t all just graphs and charts. You can visualize your data with a custom map in Google Sheets.
Maps aren’t as flexible as charts, as you may’t use them to represent most things. However, maps are incredibly convenient in particular scenarios, such as displaying the locations of your customers, tracking sales, or planning a trip.
Google Sheets doesn’t have this feature built into it, but you can install it as an add-on. Let’s talk about how you can install and use this add-on to create maps in Google Sheets.
How to Create a Map in Google Sheets
Although Google Sheets and Google Maps are both Google tools, they can’t directly work together by default. Fortunately,Google Sheets add-onscan bridge this gap and allow you to useGoogle Maps in useful and unique ways.
To create a map in Google Sheets, you will need to install the Mapping Sheets add-on. Once you’ve got Mapping Sheets ready, it’s possible to create a spreadsheet with appropriate data and then build and view your custom map.
1. Install the Mapping Sheets Add-On
Mapping Sheetsis a free add-on that allows you to create custom maps from your Google Sheets data. This add-on takes in the data in your spreadsheet and then builds a custom map with markers on specific locations. You can install Mapping Sheets from Google Sheets itself.
You should now see a new item called Mapping Sheets under the Extensions menu.
2. Create Your Spreadsheet
Now it’s time to create a spreadsheet with the data you want to map. Your spreadsheet can have as many columns and rows as you want. However, Mapping Sheets requires at least three columns of data to function correctly: Name, address or coordinates, and category.
Take the spreadsheet above as an example. This spreadsheet is a list of some people in an imaginary study, along with their residence coordinates, occupation, and gender. Since the main focus in this study is occupation, columns A to C contain the necessary information to create the map.
You can add more columns to display additional information for each marker in your map. Just remember to include the essential ones.
3. Customize the Map
Although Mapping Sheets' default settings get the job done in most cases, you can customize your map to better suit your needs and add some style. Here’s how you can customize the map:
Mapping Sheets has an array of preferences you can adjust. Two of the tabs worth checking out are Map and Icons, where you can change the markers and elements on your map.
You can also give your map some zest by adding a map style in theMaptab. This is one of Mapping Sheet’s best features, as you can make the looks of your map genuinely unique.
There are plenty ofextensions and websites to make Google Maps incredibly useful. One such website isSnazzyMaps, where it’s possible to browse various map styles and copy the code for any you like. For instance, the code below will give your custom map vivid colors and remove the labels:
ensure to addstyledin the mapTypes. Remove all other types if you want the custom style to be the only way your map is displayed.
4. Build and View the Map
Once your spreadsheet and preferences are ready, you can build your map using Mapping Sheets.
This will open Mapping Sheets to the right. Here you need to select the appropriate headers for the map.
Mapping Sheets will process the data and generate a map. This may take a few minutes, depending on the size of your data and the speed of your internet connection. You’ll get a messaging sayingMap OKwhen the process is complete. Now click onViewto see your map!
You can now explore your map and interact with it. Zoom in and out, pan around, click on any marker to see more information, and use the filters to narrow down your results.
5. Share Your Map
Your map’s data and configurations are stored in a JSON file bound to your account. To share your map with others, you’ll need to share the link to the map and the JSON file through Google. Mapping Sheets has made this process simple by providing everything you need.
Now, the people you gave access to can view your custom map by visiting the map link.
Put Your Data on the Map With Google Sheets
Google Sheets and the Mapping Sheets add-on provide a powerful way to visualize your data on a map without any coding or complex tools. it’s possible to use this to create maps for personal or professional purposes, such as travel planning or keeping track of your shipments.
Now that you’ve learned how to create custom maps in Google Sheets, you can turn your spreadsheet data into interactive maps. Try it out and see what you can create!
Google Workspace has several add-ons that teachers can use to create new ideas and systems for successful classroom management. Check these out!
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