How to copy a Google map you’re able to view as the base map.
- When viewing the map in maps.google.com, look for the KML link over on the left. This should appear above any pin locations, but under the description.
- Click this and save somewhere you can find it for the next step. FYI, this file can be used for a bunch of things and it is handy (Google Earth, some R stuff, etc.). Note that you can open the kml file in a text editor and change the attributes or toss/add pins. For those living in the text editing world, this might not be a bad way to make easy deletions.
- If you’re at “My Places” in maps.google.com, you’ll see a button that says “Create Map”. Click this. You’ll see some things you should change such as private/public, naming the map, describing the map, etc. The important thing is to click “Import” (to the right of “Collaborate” and left of the “Done” button), select your kml file that you saved and Ok.
- Congratulate yourself on a job well done by hitting the Save button.