Choose a task, then follow its tutorial

A first project path

Work through four decisions: choose the tool, define a small question, prepare evidence, then check the presentation and sharing audience.

Start with the Maps, My Maps and Earth comparison, continue with the student map-project guide, and use the written walkthrough as a design example. Choose individual tutorials below when an operation is unclear.

Choose a tool and plan a project

Begin here when the task or final product is unclear.

• Maps, My Maps or Earth?Choose a product by the work your map needs to do.
• Choose an Earth versionCompare versions before following a feature-specific guide.
• Plan a classroom workflowConnect tool choice to evidence, access and the lesson.
• Design a student projectWrite the question and plan an assessable hand-in.

Build and share a custom map

Choose a guide for your data, file or classroom sharing task.

• Import a spreadsheet into My MapsPrepare the location table and follow the import procedure.
• Find a My Maps import failureDiagnose the failure stage and data issue.
• Share a My Map with studentsCompare viewing, editing and submission arrangements.
• Export a My Map or layerChoose an export or copy route and verify the result.
• Open KML or KMZ in EarthChoose the destination and check how the file is saved.
• Use a GPX fileFollow the guide for the file and result you need.

Places, coordinates and measurements

Explain what each label, coordinate or measurement represents alongside the result.

• Labels, lists or starred placesChoose the saved-place tool for your purpose.
• Use Maps coordinatesCheck order, format and the place that opens.
• Use Earth coordinatesFollow version-specific instructions and notation checks.
• Measure distance or areaChoose a method and understand accuracy limits.
• Read an elevation profileFollow the workflow and interpret the chart carefully.

Plan an everyday journey

Read the relevant guide before relying on a route, saved area or forecast.

• Add several route stopsBuild the route and compare stop order.
• Choose route preferencesUse the preferences and review their limits.
• Prepare an offline mapCheck coverage and connection requirements.
• Check route weatherMatch forecast windows and inspect official notices.
• Explore everyday toolsChoose a practical Maps task.

Explore imagery and place change

Check the source view and date before drawing a conclusion.

• Check a Street View dateRead capture dates and look for available older views.
• Compare older Earth imageryUse the available dates and compare carefully.
• Understand imagery updatesCheck dates and the scope of an update request.
• Try an Earth flight simulatorChoose the correct version and controls.

Personal settings and location data

Keep private account tasks separate from public classroom maps.

• Change a saved Home addressFind the relevant private setting.
• Review Maps search historyChoose the history operation you intend.
• Review TimelineSeparate stopping, deleting and backup decisions.
• Understand a Timeline visualiserCheck file and privacy requirements.
• Review Location SharingCheck consent, audience and stopping.

Bring mapping into learning

Use a question and assessable output beside tool instructions.

• Find a lesson questionAdapt an activity and evidence requirement.
• Choose a project modelCompare twelve designed classroom examples.
• Build a research workflowKeep source checks and digital use beside the map.

Classroom resource shortcuts

• Adapt a middle-school lessonUse a focused activity with teacher objectives.
• Read the written walkthroughFollow a project from question to review.
• Use the printable rubricShare criteria before students start.

For the complete collection, browse the guide library.

Check the guide before using the result

• Match instructions to the actual device and product version.
• Read saving, sharing, file and accuracy limits before a step.
• Check school access and keep private student information out of classroom maps.
• When a tool cannot do the job, keep the question and choose an appropriate alternative.