After much testing I found the following to work:
Using linking or copying, get the PC created route to a mobile device (e.g. via text).
When you open it, you will see what the OP describes: the route with a Preview but no "Start" driving feature.
Now, in order to get a "Start" button and commence navigation:
- Click on the vertical ellipsis in Maps with your route displayed,
- click on Edit Stops,
- click on Add Stop,
- select "Your Location",
- move your location new stop to the top,
- and press "Done"
The Start button should now appear and you can navigate.
It is not what one would call obvious.
Answer from Paul Sears on Stack ExchangeVideos
What is the difference between Google Maps Lists and Google My Maps?
They both allow you to create custom maps with pins, but there are some key differences, such as offline access, layer capabilities, customizable pins, and creating/editing within the app. Check out the details on how Google My Maps compares to Lists (including a features comparison table).
Is there an app for Google My Maps?
There is no separate Google My Maps app, but you can view your maps within Google Maps. Just make sure you’re signed into the same account, and all your maps will sync.
(There used to be a dedicated My Maps app on Android, but this was deprecated in 2021.)
Are custom Google My Maps available offline?
No, but keep reading for a workaround and alternative.
One of the biggest complaints about Google My Maps is that you can’t download your custom map and pins to use offline, unlike the rest of Google Maps.
However, I have been able to use it in areas with spotty reception. I pulled the map up when I did have reception, and I left it running in the background. It would stay loaded in the app and I was able to pull it up to look at it later when I was out of reception. I’m not sure I would rely on this as a surefire workaround, but it can work in a pinch.
Another alternative, especially if you'll be traveling in another country where you'll be completely offline, is to use Google Maps Lists, which can be edited from desktop or your phone but don’t offer the option for separate layers, unique icons, or adding photos.
After much testing I found the following to work:
Using linking or copying, get the PC created route to a mobile device (e.g. via text).
When you open it, you will see what the OP describes: the route with a Preview but no "Start" driving feature.
Now, in order to get a "Start" button and commence navigation:
- Click on the vertical ellipsis in Maps with your route displayed,
- click on Edit Stops,
- click on Add Stop,
- select "Your Location",
- move your location new stop to the top,
- and press "Done"
The Start button should now appear and you can navigate.
It is not what one would call obvious.
I see what you mean.
It seems that "My Maps" is really for creating static maps to share/embed. It's not "dynamic" in the sense of getting directions, traffic, etc.
I believe it has to do with the "layers" you can add to the map. The underlying map is just a layer of it's own and provides structure to the other stuff you add to it.
To give directions you need to use the fully-baked map. It makes sense, I suppose, since traffic, construction, etc., is something you need up-to-date information on, and your static "My Map" may be out of date.
It's easy enough to save directions. Just take the URL that you get when you search for directions. (U.S. Capitol Building to White House. Look at all of that information embedded in that URL.) If you're concerned about sharing something so complicated with someone, it's easy enough to pass it to an URL shortener like goo.gl.
Hi, I've set up a custom route from one destination to another using "My Maps" the route is a cylcing commute route I've drawn out using some off road areas.
I've worked out how to access maps I've created from My Maps on Google maps but I can't get it to use the route when I want to navigate on that chosen route.
Can anyone assist? I've tried googling and YouTube and can't find anything on this.
Is there an easier option without using My Maps? Perhaps editing a route and saving it on Google maps for future use?
Hi, I searched all over the web but I can't find a way to accomplish my goal.
I've a "My maps" map with custom routes that are build to cath all the spot walking around.
I'd like to export these routes to GMap so I can start to walk around following the directions but I can't figure out a way to do this simple task.
Have you any idea on how to do this?
My maps is perfect to plan something but this thing drives me crazy.