How do I import Google My Maps?

Google Maps is great but it's restricted, frustrating and ultimately they're using your data to sell you adverts and track what you do. SO... import your data to Pin Drop and really make it your own and selectively share what you create with others.

How to import Google Takeout

To import your Google My Maps data, you will need to download a Google Takeout file.

1. Go to takeout.google.com/settings/takeout
2. ONLY check the boxes for:
   
   1. Maps
   2. Maps (your places)
   3. My Maps
3. Save it as a zip file to your device (you can do this on your mobile too).
4. Once you have the file, upload it through the data (import/export) section on the Pin Drop app or website.

Import My Maps with a link

This is the quickest and easiest way to share a Google My Map to Pin Drop.

1. Go to https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/ and open the map you want to import.
2. Click the "Share" button (top left) and make sure the map is set to "Anyone with the link can view". If it'a restricted, Pin Drop won't be able to access the data.
3. In the sharing window, click "Copy link". This is the link you'll paste into Pin Drop.
4. Your link should look something like this: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=XXXXXXXXXX. If you're unsure, open the link in a new tab. If it shows your map with all the pins visible, it's the right one.

Common issues:

Map not importing?

• Check the map is not private
• Make sure you copied the full link
• Avoid links from Google Maps (standard maps) as these are different from My Maps

Can't find your map?

• Make sure you're logged into the correct Google account
• Try visiting "Owned" or "Opened" maps in My Maps

My Maps

You MUST include this in your export as this will guarantee you import your pins as expected. Here's a help article from Google My Maps.