Information Madness

You can import a database file into Google Maps in one out of two formats. The database files will be closer to HTML in nature than any other file type. You can not only learn how to import data into Google Maps by finding out more about these file types but also you can learn how to create descriptive pop-up windows, icons and shapes automatically in Google Maps with them.

Acceptable File Formats

There are only two types of files that you can upload to Google Maps. They are KML and GeoRSS. These file types work with Google Maps because they use an HTML-like structure that the web browser can understand. This way, your browser can do most of the work for Google Maps. KML and GeoRSS can both contain geographic elements such as coordinates, paths and pop-up information windows.

KML and GeoRSS

• Both KML and GeoRSS contain tags that you can use to specify types of information. In KML, you can place icons over specific locations, embed images and descriptions using standard HTML. The main strength of GeoRSS is that it is itself an RSS service. You can use GeoRSS to include latitude and longitude as well as places of interest.

Importing to Google Maps

• To import either of these files to Google Maps, you have to log in to the service and then click "My Places." Click the red "Create Map" button and then click "Import." Click the "Choose File" button and then use the Windows Explorer dialog box that appears to locate your file. Google Maps requires a few minutes to upload and process your file.

Interacting with Your Data

• Your KML or GeoRSS file may already contain icons, lines and polygons but you can add more from within the Google Maps interface if you need to. In the upper left corner of the map area, you will see the "Add a Place Mark" and a "Click to start drawing a line" buttons. You can create a blue place mark anywhere on the map. With HTML, you can embed pictures into the description box.