Plot a Route on Google Maps with These Simple Steps

Riddhi: Did you know that you can draw on Google Maps?

Jeel: Draw on Google Maps? 

What’s next, navigating with drawings?

Riddhi: Yes, but it’s not quite the same. 

You can draw lines, shapes, and places you want to explore in a custom map with a few simple taps. 

Jeel: Sounds pretty useful. But how do I do it? 

Riddhi: You are not alone. A Quora user asked the same thing: “How do I draw a map on Android devices like Google Maps?”

But don’t worry, and stick with me as I walk you through the steps to plot a route on Google Maps.

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How Do I Map a Route on Google Maps? Mobile and Desktop Edition

Google Maps is a widely trusted tool for route planning, whether you’re a delivery driver, a truck driver, or simply seeking driving directions. It offers handy features that allow you to input multiple destinations and help you find the shortest and fastest route.

The following are the steps that can help you make a route in Google Maps:

Step 1: Open Google Maps and begin mapping your route

Start by opening the Google Maps app on your iOS or Android mobile phone. You can also access it by visiting the website: https://www.google.com/maps. To begin mapping out your travel route, click on the “Directions” button given under the search bar.

Step 2: Set your starting location and add multiple destinations

Google Maps often uses your current location as the starting point. You can change this location by entering your preferred start location in the search bar. After setting your starting point, add multiple locations on Google Maps by clicking on the “Add stop” option in the app. If you are using the website, click on the “Add Destination” option.

Step 3: Evaluate the default route

Google Maps route planner usually suggests route options depending on the order in which you entered your stops. While this may be the most direct route, it is not always the shortest.

So, review your mapped route and make a note of the estimated time of arrival (ETA).

Step 4: Manually rearrange stops

Google Maps does not automatically optimize routes for efficiency. You may need to experiment with various stop sequences and modify the stops manually until you get the shortest route. 

Click the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen, and then click “Edit Stops.” After that, drag & drop stops to reorder them so that your route makes the most sense. 

Step 5: Start your journey

Once you’ve successfully optimized your route, you’re ready to hit the road. Click the start button in the bottom right corner of the Google Maps app and let it guide you on your journey.

Now that you know how to find the shortest route between multiple locations, let’s understand how to create a custom route on Google Maps.

Create Custom Maps on Desktop

Whether planning a scenic road trip, organizing efficient delivery routes, or simply exploring your city on foot, Google Maps offers tools to draw routes.

Here’s how you can do it: 

1. Open your preferred web browser and go to Google My Maps: https://www.google.com/mymaps.

2. Click on the “Create a New Map” button at the top.

3. Once done, you will be redirected to a new window, which will have an “Untitled Map.”

Name it, add the description according to the reason it was created, and hit “Save.” 

4. Once you do that, the information panel on the top right corner will have the “Base Map” option. Select it and choose a style that suits your preferences.

5. Now, below the search field, you’ll find an icon resembling a “Y-shaped road.” Click on it to initiate the route planning.

6. As you do that, you will notice a small box popping up on the right side, which will have a car symbol. Click the icon and choose your preferred transportation mode — car, walking, or cycling.

7. Now tap on the “A” Field to enter your starting or departure point, or choose from the search results as you type it down.

8. Repeat the process for the “B” Field to enter your arrival or final destination.

9. If your journey involves multiple waypoints, select “Add Destination” and enter the addresses or location names.

Note: You can add up to 10 stops to your route.

10. Once you have added all your desired destinations, you can share them with your friends, family, and loved ones.

 To do so, click the “Share” icon positioned below the map’s name to share the route.

11. If you already have some maps saved, you can access them by tapping the “Saved” icon located at the top left corner of the screen.

Click on the “Maps” tab from the header, and you will see all the custom maps you’ve created.

12. Choose the specific map from the list, which will display layers, lines, and markers added to it.

13. To share your custom map from a mobile phone, open the Google Maps app and tap the “You” option at the bottom of your screen. 

Scroll below, and you will see the “Maps” button at last. 

Note: Here, you will see all the custom maps created with Google My Maps that are linked to your Google account.

Click on the map you wish to edit, and you will be redirected to a web browser. 

Note: The maps will not be opened from the app but from the browser. 

Now, tap on the “Share” icon from the information panel, and you will be provided with a shareable link that can be sent to others via text, email, or social media. 

Now that we have discussed the steps to draw a custom route on Google Maps, let’s learn how to create it on a separate layer.

How Do I Separate Layers on Google Maps?

Google Maps not only allows you to draw a single route but also helps you to create multiple routes on a single map, organized neatly using layers.

This is ideal for planning road trips with multiple stops or optimizing business delivery routes.

Follow these steps to create custom routes on a separate layer in Google Maps:

1. Search for Google My Maps on your desktop and choose an existing or new map where you want to add a layer.

2. Tap on the “Add Layer” option on the left side of the information panel and name it to your liking or requirement. (For instance – Hiking Trail or Iconic Spots)

3. Start drawing lines or shapes by clicking on the “Draw a Line ” icon right below the search bar. 

4. Once selected, click on every turn or point you want to include and double-click to finish. 

Note: You can also use the visibility toggle to switch layers on or off. This feature is handy when you want to focus on a specific route without the distraction of others.

Lastly, you can share your multi-layered map by clicking on the “Share” icon at the top of the panel on the left side. 

Create Own Routes Using Lines and Shapes on Google Maps Desktop

Beyond routes, Google Maps lets you draw lines, shapes, and add markers for better map customization. Below are the steps to do it: 

1. Search Google My Maps and open your previously created map, or click “Create a New Map” to start afresh.

2. As you do that, you will see the “Draw a Line ” icon just below the search bar. Click on it, and you will see a drop-down menu pop up.

3. Select the “Add Line or Shape” option from the drop-down. 

4. Now, click on the map where you want the line to begin. Then, drag the cursor to create the line. Double-click where you want it to end. 

5. For a line with multiple waypoints, make a series of single clicks to mark each point along the desired path. Double-click the last point to complete the line.

Did you know you can also create a polygon on Google Maps? For those who don’t know what a polygon is, it is a shape with three or more points that defines an area on maps. 

It starts and ends on the same point, connecting multiple sides, which can be defined with a name, description, or notes for better understanding. 

Now that you know about polygons. Next, we shall focus on how to create one on Google Maps.

Steps to create a polygon on Google Maps

1. Open Google My Maps on your desktop. 
2. Click “Create a New Map” or choose the existing one. 
3. Select the “Draw a Line ” icon below the search bar and choose the “Add Line or Shape” option from the drop-down menu. 
4. Now click on the map, start selecting the points you wish to add, take it to the start point, and double-click to end it. 

Add a marker on Google Maps

Your polygon is now ready. You can name and color it and even add a description and images to it.

1. Search for Google My Maps on your desktop. 
2. Tap on “Create a New Map” or choose an existing one.  
3. Just below the search bar, you will find an “Add Marker” icon (a pin-like icon). Tap on it. 
4. Now, click on the location you want to mark on the Maps, name it, add a description, and hit save. 

You can even change its icon and color by hovering over the marker and selecting the paint bucket, which has all the things you need.

Download custom routes on your mobile device and desktop

Downloading routes between desktop and mobile devices is easy, but there are some best practices you need to follow to ensure your custom routes remain intact:

Download information from a map or layer

1. Search for Google My Maps on your desktop. 
2. Open the map you want to download. 
3. On the left information panel, click on the three dots () at the top. 
4. Select “Export to KML/KMZ” and now select “Entire Map” or the layer you want to download. 
5. Now, tick mark the relevant options and hit download.

Tip:

If you’re traveling to remote areas or on long trips with multiple stops, always save your route offline to avoid losing access during your journey.

Bonus Tips:

Use OsmAnd for Android Auto navigation:

Some users have found that OsmAnd supports custom routes better than Google Maps when using Android Auto.

You can import the KML file into OsmAnd by following the app’s prompts. Then navigate the custom route on Android Auto, without it being changed or auto-corrected along the way.

Transferring Routes to Apple Maps

Currently, there is no native way to transfer custom routes created in Google Maps directly into Apple Maps. However, there are workarounds that can help open specific points or replicate your route in Apple Maps.

1. Opening locations in Apple Maps

You can share a specific location from Google Maps via a web link and open that link in Apple Maps. However, this method only opens individual locations rather than transferring the full custom route.

2. Replicating the route manually

Another option is to enter the same waypoints manually or stop them in Apple Maps by referring to your Google Maps route. Although this can be time-consuming, it allows you to replicate the route as closely as possible.

3. Using third-party tools

There are no advanced third-party tools for direct Google Maps to Apple Maps transfers at the moment. However, iOS 18 updates offer more multi-stop customization features within Apple Maps.

Optimize Routes in Google Maps with Upper’s Free Chrome Extension

If you use Google Maps on your browser, Upper’s free Chrome extension can make your work easier and optimize your routes faster.

Let’s see how you can do it.

1. Go to Chrome Web Store, search for Upper’s Chrome Extension, and add it to your browser.

2. After installation, sign in or create an account to unlock the route optimization features.

3. Rearrange your stops unless you have finalized your sequence of stops. 

4. Click ‘Free Google Maps Route Planner’ in the extension list. You will get three options as follows:

• Set the first stop as the return location
• Set the last added stop as finish/end stop
• No finishing stop added

5. Click the option that suits your requirements, and click “Optimize”.

Upper’s Chrome extension will automatically rearrange the stops based on your preference in the most optimal order. 

Once optimization is complete, you can navigate your routes using Google Maps.

You can then save these routes for future reference or share them with your teammates. 

💡 Want something that lets you plan routes with hundreds of stops? If you are an independent contractor, you can consider Upper Solo to plan 500 stops along a route. 

If you work with a dispatch manager seeking efficient optimization and advanced features like proof of delivery, driver tracking, and automated notifications, Upper Crew is the one for you!