Google My Maps are a widely used tool for building custom interactive maps. They simplify the process of creating maps with place markers or route lines, and allow for collaboration, easy sharing, and embedding maps on websites.
However, for those needing more advanced features, Google My Maps quickly reveal their limitations. That’s why we compiled an overview of the most most popular alternative tools for map creation that can do things Google My Maps just can’t.
Limitations of Google My Maps
1. Advanced data structure & filters
In Google My Maps, you can organize your objects using layers, with a limit of up to 10 layers. This is sufficient if you need to differentiate a few types of locations. However, if your project requires more intuitive navigation through categories, subcategories, or advanced filters, Google My Maps becomes limiting.
2. Rich content
Google My Maps only allows uploading 1 image per object along with simple text fields. Most alternative map building tools will allow you to create more interactive experience—such as detailed media galleries, embedding videos or 3D tours, or custom buttons.
3. Customization
Customization options in Google My Maps are highly limited. You’re restricted to the default Google map tiles, with no options for branding elements like custom logos, icons, or menu items.
4. Content management
In Google My Maps, map content is managed through a simple sidebar interface. While this works for smaller projects, it quickly becomes cumbersome to navigate when dealing with hundreds of items across multiple categories. You may want to consider tools that offer a cloud CMS (content management system) for greater efficiency and convenience.
5. Multiple map layer providers
Google My Maps restricts you to using only Google map tiles as the base layer. If the default Google styling doesn’t fit your project’s needs, you’ll need to explore alternative tools that offer a wider variety of map layer providers.
6. Crowdsourcing
While Google My Maps allows map sharing, it lacks crowdsourcing capabilities—meaning other users cannot contribute pins or shapes to your map. If crowdsourced content is key to your project, you should consider alternative tools that enable community collaboration. Here are some crowdsourcing features you might want to look for:
- Adding places and shapes directly by users
- Uploading images to others’ pins/shapes
- User comments, discussions, ratings, and upvoting
- Content moderation
- User interaction on the map, such as the ability to contact each other
7. User roles
Google My Maps lacks user role management. So if your project involves teamwork and requires differentiated permissions (editors, viewers, or content managers), you’ll need to look for an alternative tool that supports user role settings.
Top Alternatives to Google My Maps
What are the best alternatives that can fill the gaps left by Google My Maps? These are some most powerful tools that offer the advanced features and flexibility that Google My Maps lacks.
Mapotic Map Builder
The Mapotic Map Builder fills many of the feature gaps left by Google My Maps. It allows seamless building of interactive maps with plenty of customization possibilities.
The FREE version includes crucial features such as custom categories, user roles, advanced filters, and crowdsourcing—making Mapotic a highly competitive alternative.
With premium plans, users unlock powerful features like unlimited map locations, custom domains and branding, private maps, multiple administrators, advanced embedding options, and more. Mapotic also offers a 14-day trial of all premium plans with no credit card required, letting you explore all advanced features without any upfront commitment.
What makes Mapotic stand out among other alternatives is the availability of an affordable, ready-to-launch iOS and Android mobile app that integrates seamlessly with your map, providing a mobile-first experience for your audience. Additionally, Mapotic offers advanced solutions like Live Data Maps, enabling real-time updates and dynamic visualizations for more interactive and up-to-date mapping.
Features
- Generous FREE version
- 14-day trial of premium plans
- Custom data fields available in FREE
- Rich content (images, video)
- White label maps
- Custom styles and controls
-
- Intuitive content management system
- Multiple map layer providers
- Advanced crowdsourcing options
- User role management
- CSV/XLS data import/export
- Live data maps (real-time updates)
Missing
- Map printing
- No custom icon upload
Mapme
Mapme does not offer a free plan but provides a 7-day free trial that grants access to all Pro features. Users can add markers (POIs), routes, lines, and polygons on their map. Mapme also includes a variety of base map layers, but also allows custom map layers to be added.
The paid subscriptions unlocks categories and subcategories, CSV data import for bulk processing, white label and custom API solutions. The maps are well optimized for mobile and require no coding or GIS knowledge.
A downside to Mapme is the lack of a free version, therefore it’s not ideal for personal maps. Also, although Mapme features sophisticated system of categories and subcategories, it lacks attribute filters which may be critical for some projects.
Features
- 7-day FREE trial for premium plans
- Custom categories & filters
- White label
- Rich content (images, 3D tours)
- Advanced customizations
- Cloud CMS
- CSV bulk import
- Multiple map layers
- Map printing
Missing
- No FREE version
- Advanced categorization only in PRO
- No advanced filter attributes
- Only basic crowdsourcing
MapHub.net
MapHub.net is a bit simplier alternative than the others mentioned. The whole management of the content takes place in the sidebar, which can make it somewhat crumblesome when managing larger amounts of items. This makes MapHub more suitable for personal maps and enthusiasts.
MapHub supports map pins for locations as well as lines and polygons basic pins customization, embedded maps and bulk import in variety of formats. Categorization and filtering options are relatively limited for the map visitors.
It offers a free version for basic maps and fairly priced premium plans allowing premium basemaps, advanced embed, custom domain and more, offer a significant increase in usability.
Features
- 7-day FREE trial for premium plans
- Custom categories & filters
- White label
- Rich content (images, 3D tours)
- Advanced customizations
- Cloud CMS
- CSV bulk import
- Multiple map layers
- Map printing
Missing
- No FREE version
- Advanced categorization only in PRO
- No advanced filter attributes
- Only basic crowdsourcing
MapTive
Aimed at businesses, MapTive has a huge variety of mapping tools available for its users. MapTive offers, amongst others, a radius tool, a heat mapping tool, drive time polygons, demographic layers and a route planning tool. They also provide a number of different map layers to alter the appearance of your map.
They offer fully customizable maps that support the integration of large existing data sets. The map has Google Maps-like coverage around the globe and is scalable for large projects with their paid subscriptions. MapTive is optimized for use on mobile devices, but does not offer a standalone mobile application.
Some tools are focused on the United States and will therefore not be suitable for use outside the US. MapTive doesn’t offer a long term free version and is therefore not ideal for personal maps.
EasyMapMaker
EasyMapMaker offers a free to use version for basic maps. Users have the ability to create color coded categories and filters on their map. They offer different map styles and have a heat map available in the free version. Maps can be embedded on a user’s website or blog. All maps created with EasyMapMaker are compatible on mobile devices, but the option to create a mobile application is not available.
The free version has limited customizability and features, but remains a good choice for basic mapping and personal maps. The three paid subscriptions allow for greater scalability and offer additional features. Among these features are both a white label and an import feature.
To conclude, EasyMapMaker is a great example of a straight to the point map builder and offers an affordable solution for all.
