On Wednesday, Google announced the launch of My Maps, a new tool that allows users to customize their maps directly from Google Drive.
"Whether you're planning an epic road trip with friends or mapping out your favorite runs for a ski vacation, it's easy with Google My Maps, our custom map creation tool," Google says in the announcement. "Starting today, you can access My Maps right from Google Drive, so it's even easier to create, access and share your custom maps."
Expected to roll out by next week to all Drive users, the new feature makes creating a map as easy as creating documents, spreadsheets and slideshows. To create a new map, Drive users simply click on "new," followed by "more," before clicking "Google My Maps."
The new feature allows users to add more layers and points of interests on their snaps, such as when marking the best places to surf in Australia, planning a hiking trail or your next Santa-con route. More details can also be added into the info of each box thanks to the bigger spreadsheets.
Not only will Drive users be able to customize their maps directly from the platform, but they will also be able to access maps previously created. The maps can then be organized and shared in folders for easy searches such as when planning for your next half marathon, vacation, or holiday trip.
"Whatever your needs for the holiday season, the new year and beyond, Google My Maps-now accessible in Google Drive-makes planning that much easier," Google says.
But is this feature really necessary? Google seems to be catering to users who are used to having the freedom to customize just about everything in their lives. Those who live on the Internet commonly use picture and video editing tools, so creating a tool for Google's reliable map service only seems fitting.