Creating a Course Map on Google Maps

You can draw a course directly on Google Maps using the built-in measurement tool, which lets you plot a route point by point and see the total distance in real time. Open Google Maps on a computer or phone, find your starting location, and use the "Measure distance" feature to click along your intended path. Each click adds a waypoint, and Google Maps calculates the cumulative distance as you go. When you finish, you can save the map to your account or share it with others.

The process takes about five to ten minutes for a typical course, and you don't need any special software or apps beyond Google Maps itself. The map stays in your account afterward, so you can pull it up before you run or walk, or share it with training partners.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the "Measure distance" tool in Google Maps to click waypoints along your route and see the total distance update in real time.
  • On a computer, right-click your starting point and select "Measure distance"; on a phone, open the menu and tap "Measure distance."
  • Each click adds a waypoint; you can drag waypoints to adjust the route or click the trash icon to remove them.
  • Save your finished map to your account by clicking "Save" in the measurement panel, or share it with others using the share button.
  • You can edit a saved map later by opening it again and adding, moving, or deleting waypoints.

How to Start Measuring on a Computer

Open Google Maps in a web browser and search for your starting location or zoom to the area where your course begins. Right-click on the exact spot where you want to start, and a menu will appear with several options. Select "Measure distance" from that menu.

A small panel labeled "Measure distance" will open in the bottom right corner of the screen. The map is now ready for you to add waypoints. Click on the map at each point along your intended route—the next turn, the next landmark, the finish line—and Google Maps will draw a line between each click and show you the distance so far.

How to Start Measuring on a Phone

Open the Google Maps app and navigate to your starting location. Tap and hold on the exact spot where your course begins until a red pin appears and a card opens at the bottom of the screen. Tap the card to open the location details, then scroll down and tap "Measure distance."

The map will switch to measurement mode. Tap the map at each waypoint along your route, and Google Maps will draw lines and show the cumulative distance. The interface is the same as on a computer, just adapted for touch.

Adding and Adjusting Waypoints

Each time you tap or click the map, you add a waypoint. Google Maps connects the waypoints with straight lines and calculates the total distance. If you make a mistake or want to change the route, you have two options: drag a waypoint to a new location, or delete it and add a new one.

To move a waypoint, click and drag it to the new spot. To delete a waypoint, hover over it (on a computer) or tap it (on a phone) and click or tap the trash icon. The distance will recalculate automatically. You can add as many waypoints as you need—there is no limit.

If your route follows a road or path, the straight lines between waypoints may not match the actual walking or running path. To make the map more accurate, add more waypoints along curves and turns so the line follows the real route more closely.

Saving Your Course Map

When you finish mapping your course, look for the "Save" button in the measurement panel. Click or tap it, and Google Maps will ask you to name the map and choose where to save it. Give it a clear name like "Morning 5K Loop" or "Park Trail Course" so you can find it later.

Google Maps will save the map to your account. You can access it anytime by opening Google Maps, clicking the menu (three horizontal lines), and selecting "Your places." Your saved maps appear under the "Maps" tab. From there, you can open the map, edit it, or share it.

Sharing Your Course with Others

Once you save a map, you can share it with training partners, friends, or running groups. Open the saved map, click the share icon (usually a box with an arrow), and choose how you want to share it. You can copy a link to send via email or text, or share directly to social media platforms.

When someone opens your shared map, they will see the course you drew with all the waypoints and the total distance. They can view it on their phone or computer, but they cannot edit your original map—they would need to create their own copy if they want to make changes.

Editing a Saved Course Map

You can edit a saved map at any time. Open the map from your "Your places" section, and the measurement panel will reappear. You can add new waypoints by clicking or tapping the map, drag existing waypoints to new locations, or delete waypoints using the trash icon. All changes update the total distance automatically.

If you want to start over completely, you can delete the map and create a new one. To delete a saved map, open it, click the menu icon (three dots), and select "Delete map." This removes it from your account permanently, so only do this if you are sure you no longer need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I measure a course on Google Maps using my phone while I run?

Yes, but it is easier to map the course beforehand on a computer or phone while standing still. If you want to measure while running, the Google Maps app works, but you will need to stop frequently to tap waypoints. Many runners map their course first, then use the saved map to navigate during the run.

Does Google Maps show elevation or hills on a course map?

The basic measurement tool does not show elevation data. Google Maps displays the straight-line distance and the route you drew, but not how steep the hills are. If elevation matters for your training, you may want to check a topographic map or a running-specific app that includes elevation profiles.

What if my course follows a winding trail or road?

Add more waypoints along the curves and turns so the line follows the actual path. The more waypoints you add, the more accurate the map becomes. You can zoom in to see details and place waypoints precisely where the path changes direction.

Can I measure a course that loops back to the starting point?

Yes. Keep adding waypoints around the loop until you return to your starting location. You do not need to click the starting point again—Google Maps will show you the total distance for the entire loop based on the waypoints you added.

Is there a limit to how long a course I can map?

No. You can map courses of any distance, from a short neighborhood walk to a multi-mile route. The more waypoints you add, the more accurate the distance, but Google Maps can handle as many as you need.