How Many People Are Searching for a Map Builder on Google? Insights & Trends
- Nan Zhou
- Oct 9
- 12 min read

Map building tools have become essential for businesses and individuals who need custom maps for their websites, apps, and projects. With over a billion people using Google Maps monthly and millions of businesses relying on location-based services, the demand for map creation tools continues to grow. Search data shows that thousands of users search for map builder solutions every month, primarily looking to create interactive maps for business websites, real estate applications, and educational projects.
Most people searching for map builders want tools that let them add custom markers, display business locations, and create visual representations of data. They often need features like location search, route planning, and the ability to embed maps directly into their websites. Many users specifically look for no-code solutions that don't require programming skills.
The map building market includes everything from simple drag-and-drop tools to advanced platforms that integrate with Google Maps. Users range from small business owners wanting to show store locations to developers building complex location-based applications. This growing interest reflects how important visual mapping has become for online businesses and digital projects.
Key Takeaways
Thousands of people search monthly for map builder tools to create custom interactive maps for websites and applications
Users primarily seek easy-to-use solutions with features like custom markers, business listings, and website embedding capabilities
The market spans from simple no-code tools for beginners to advanced platforms for developers building complex location-based projects
Search Demand for Map Builders on Google
Search demand for map builders has grown significantly as businesses and individuals seek custom mapping solutions beyond standard platforms. Mobile users account for the majority of map-related searches, with desktop local search maintaining steady volume for professional mapping tools.
Search Volume Trends for Map Builders
Monthly searches for "map builder" and related terms reach approximately 50,000-70,000 queries globally. The term "custom map maker" generates around 8,000 monthly searches, while "interactive map builder" sees 12,000 searches.
Search volume peaks during back-to-school seasons and business planning periods. September and January show the highest search activity for map creation tools.
Year-over-year growth for map builder searches increased by 35% since 2023. This growth aligns with the rise in location-based marketing and educational technology adoption.
Mobile searches account for 65% of all map builder queries. Desktop searches remain important for professional users seeking advanced features and business solutions.
Popular Map Builder Queries and Keywords
The most searched map builder terms include specific use cases and features:
Top search queries:
"interactive map builder" (12,000 monthly searches)
"custom map maker free" (15,000 monthly searches)
"business location map creator" (6,500 monthly searches)
"route planner builder" (8,200 monthly searches)
Educational queries dominate search patterns. Teachers search for "classroom map maker" and "geography quiz builder" frequently during school months.
Business-focused searches include "store locator builder" and "delivery route mapper." These queries spike during e-commerce planning periods and holiday seasons.
Feature-specific searches target functionality like "drag and drop map builder" and "embed custom maps." Users want tools that integrate easily with existing websites and platforms.
User Demographics Searching for Map Makers
Educators represent 28% of map builder searches. They seek tools for creating educational materials, lesson plans, and interactive geography content for students.
Small business owners account for 35% of search volume. They need custom maps for store locations, service areas, and customer directions without technical complexity.
Marketing professionals comprise 22% of users searching for map builders. They create location-based campaigns, event maps, and territory planning tools for clients.
Age demographics show 25-44 year-olds generate 45% of map builder searches. This group includes working professionals and parents seeking educational tools.
Desktop local search patterns indicate businesses research map builders during work hours. Mobile audience reach peaks during evening hours when individuals explore personal mapping projects.
Geographic search distribution follows business density patterns. Urban areas generate higher search volumes for professional mapping tools compared to rural regions.
What Are People Looking to Build With Map Makers?
People use map-making tools to create everything from business location displays to complex data visualizations. Most users focus on practical applications like store locators, travel planning, and interactive dashboards that showcase geographic information.
Custom Business Location Maps
Business owners create maps to showcase their physical locations to customers. These maps help visitors find stores, offices, and service areas more easily than text directions alone.
Google Maps Platform powers many business location maps through its API integration. Companies embed these maps directly into their websites to provide accurate directions and contact information.
Local businesses use custom maps to highlight nearby landmarks and parking areas. This helps customers navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods and reduces confusion about exact locations.
Multi-location businesses create maps that show all their branches or franchises. Users can filter by services offered, hours of operation, or distance from their current location.
Store and Asset Locators
Retail chains build store locators to help customers find the nearest shopping location. These tools typically include search functions that work with zip codes, city names, or current GPS coordinates.
Location-based services enable advanced features like real-time inventory checks and appointment booking. Customers can see which stores have specific products in stock before making the trip.
Companies with physical assets like ATMs, charging stations, or rental equipment use map makers to create finder tools. These maps often include status information such as availability or maintenance schedules.
Service-based businesses create maps showing coverage areas and service territories. This helps potential customers understand if they qualify for delivery or on-site services.
Interactive Data Visualization Maps
Organizations create maps to display statistical information and trends across geographic regions. These visualizations make complex data sets easier to understand and analyze.
Public health agencies use map builders to show disease outbreaks, vaccination rates, and hospital capacity. Color-coding and interactive features help viewers quickly identify patterns and hotspots.
Real estate professionals create maps showing property values, crime statistics, and school district boundaries. Buyers can explore neighborhoods and compare different areas side by side.
Research organizations build maps to display survey results, demographic data, and economic indicators. These tools help policymakers and businesses make informed decisions based on geographic patterns.
Personalized Travel and Event Maps
Event planners create custom maps for weddings, conferences, and festivals. These maps show venue locations, parking areas, and important landmarks for attendees.
Travel bloggers and tourism boards build maps highlighting recommended restaurants, attractions, and accommodations. Visitors can access these maps on their phones while exploring new destinations.
Educational groups create maps for field trips, campus tours, and outdoor adventures. These maps often include safety information and points of interest along planned routes.
Personal users build maps to share favorite hiking trails, photography spots, or local recommendations with friends and family. Social features allow others to add their own suggestions and reviews.
Core Features Users Seek in Map Builder Tools
Map builders must deliver specific functionality that makes creating custom maps simple and effective. Users prioritize tools that offer flexible design options, seamless data integration, and collaborative workflows.
Customizable Markers and Shapes
Custom markers help users create maps that match their brand and purpose. Most map builders allow users to upload their own icons or choose from built-in libraries.
Color-coding systems make it easy to organize different types of locations. Users can assign specific colors to categories like restaurants, hotels, or landmarks.
Shape customization extends beyond basic pins. Users want to draw boundaries, highlight areas, and create routes directly on their maps.
Key customization options include:
Custom icon uploads
Color schemes that match brand identity
Size adjustments for better visibility
Shape tools for areas and boundaries
The Google Maps API provides extensive marker customization features. This allows developers to create unique visual experiences that stand out from standard map displays.
Integration With Spreadsheets and APIs
Data integration saves users hours of manual entry work. Most people store location data in spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets.
Direct spreadsheet imports let users upload hundreds of locations at once. The best map builders automatically detect address columns and convert them to map points.
API connections enable real-time data updates. Users can connect their maps to databases, CRM systems, or other business tools.
Popular integration methods:
CSV and Excel file uploads
Google Sheets direct connection
REST API endpoints
Database connections
Google Maps API integration provides reliable geocoding services. This ensures accurate location plotting even with incomplete address data.
Real-Time and Collaborative Editing
Team collaboration requires multiple users to edit maps simultaneously. Real-time editing prevents conflicts when several people work on the same project.
Version control helps teams track changes and restore previous versions if needed. This feature protects against accidental deletions or unwanted modifications.
Permission settings control who can view or edit specific maps. Administrators can grant different access levels to team members and external collaborators.
Collaboration features users expect:
Live editing with change notifications
Comment systems for feedback
User role management
Change history tracking
Cloud-based storage ensures maps stay accessible from any device. Users can start projects on desktop computers and finish them on mobile devices without losing progress.
Leading Platforms and Tools for Map Building
Google Maps Platform dominates the map building space with over 5 million apps using its services weekly, while third-party builders offer simpler alternatives for non-developers. Apple Maps and MapQuest provide competing options with different strengths for specific use cases.
Google Maps API and Platform
Google Maps Platform serves as the most widely used mapping solution for developers and businesses. The platform includes multiple APIs like the Maps JavaScript API, Static Maps API, and Geocoding API.
Google Maps API powers interactive features on millions of websites. Developers can add custom markers, styling, and Street View integration to their applications.
Google Earth provides additional satellite imagery and 3D mapping capabilities. The platform charges based on usage after free tier limits.
Key features include:
Real-time traffic data
Google Maps Street View integration
Places API for location search
Directions and routing services
The platform requires coding knowledge but offers the most comprehensive mapping tools available. Over 1 billion people use Google Maps monthly, making it the standard for location services.
Third-Party Map Builders
Third-party map builders like Atlist, Mapbox, and Canva offer easier alternatives to Google Maps Platform. These tools target users without coding experience.
Atlist specializes in custom Google Maps with multiple markers. Users can import data from spreadsheets and choose from thousands of map styles.
Mapbox Studio provides professional-grade map styling tools. It uses OpenStreetMap data instead of Google's mapping data, offering more customization options.
Popular third-party options include:
Simple Map Maker - Basic plotting tool
Map Creator - Printable map exports
MapChart - Color-coded country maps
These platforms typically offer free tiers with paid upgrades. They focus on specific use cases like business locations, data visualization, or fantasy gaming maps.
Comparison With Apple Maps and MapQuest
Apple Maps primarily serves iOS users through native integration but offers limited web mapping tools. The platform focuses on mobile experiences rather than custom map building.
Apple Maps excels at:
Turn-by-turn navigation on iOS devices
Privacy-focused location services
Integration with Apple ecosystem apps
MapQuest provides basic mapping APIs and route planning services. It offers simpler alternatives to Google Maps Platform with lower usage costs.
MapQuest's strengths include:
Affordable API pricing
Route optimization tools
Traffic data integration
Neither Apple Maps nor MapQuest matches Google Maps Platform's feature set or developer tools. Google maintains the largest market share with almost 19.44% of all map usage coming from the United States alone.
Google Maps Usage, Reach, and Impact
Google Maps has transformed into the world's dominant navigation platform with over 1 billion monthly users and coverage spanning 220+ countries. The platform processes massive amounts of real-time traffic data while supporting millions of businesses and developers through its extensive API ecosystem.
Global Google Maps User Base and Engagement
Google Maps commands an impressive global user base of over 1 billion people who use the service monthly. This makes it the world's third most popular Google app, with approximately 11 million new users downloading it regularly.
The platform demonstrates remarkable reach across demographics. Users aged 18-24 represent the largest segment at 27.22% of the total user base. Gender distribution remains nearly equal, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female users accessing Google Maps services.
User engagement statistics reveal deep platform integration:
Average time spent: 152 minutes per month per user
Average session duration: 7 minutes exploring various features
Daily user contributions: 20 million pieces of information
Active contributors: Over 300 million users share experiences annually
The platform covers 99% of the world's population across its supported territories. Users drive more than 1 billion kilometers daily using Google Maps navigation, demonstrating its critical role in global transportation.
Business and Developer Adoption of Google Maps
Google Maps Platform has become essential infrastructure for businesses worldwide. The service lists over 200 million businesses and places globally, making it the primary tool for local search and "near me" queries.
Developer adoption shows massive scale:
Over 5 million active apps and websites use Google Maps APIs weekly
30.6 million websites integrate Google Maps functionality
14.1 million live websites currently use the platform
Over 10 different business industries rely on Google Maps API
Business size distribution among Google Maps users breaks down as 74% small businesses (fewer than 50 employees), 17% medium-sized businesses, and 8% large enterprises (over 1,000 employees).
The platform generates significant economic impact. Companies using Google Maps with estimated $1 million+ sales revenue number over 2,021. The United States leads global website usage of Google Maps, with 73% of US websites utilizing Google Maps and its API mapping technologies.
Growth of Real-Time Traffic and Data Features
Google Maps processes enormous amounts of real-time traffic data to maintain its navigation accuracy. The platform collects traffic information from over 1 billion kilometers of roads daily, contributing to its 97% accuracy rate for estimated arrival times.
Real-time data capabilities include:
Continuous updates every second for maximum accuracy
Coverage of 1 million transit stops across 37 countries
Over 220 billion images collected from Street View operations
10 million miles of Street View imagery mapped globally
The platform's data usage remains efficient for users. Standard navigation consumes approximately 2-5 MB of data per hour for every ten miles traveled. Map Mode usage requires only 500 KB to 1 MB when opening the application.
Location-based services have expanded beyond basic navigation. Google Maps now provides information for 472 million buildings across 40+ countries for solar industry applications. The platform supports multiple transportation modes including biking directions in over 40 countries and dockless bike integration with services like Lime in more than 100 cities.
Emerging Solutions: Low-Code and No-Code Map Builders
New map building tools are making it easier for people without coding skills to create custom maps and location-based apps. These platforms offer drag-and-drop features and ready-made templates that speed up development time.
Quick Builder and Low-Code Innovations
Google Maps Platform recently launched Quick Builder as a major step forward in accessible map creation. This tool lets users build maps, location experiences, and autocomplete features without writing any code.
Quick Builder works especially well for visual learners. Users can add their data and see changes in real-time. The platform suggests different designs that fit specific business needs.
The tool includes Neighborhood Discovery features. This creates local experiences by showing dynamic maps with recommended amenities and attractions. Businesses can customize these maps to highlight nearby services.
Other platforms are also embracing low-code approaches. ArcGIS offers several no-code builders including Instant Apps, Dashboards, and Experience Builder. These tools are 10 times faster than traditional development methods.
Low-code platforms can reduce development time by up to 90%. This makes map building accessible to small businesses and non-technical users who previously needed to hire developers.
Templates for Industry-Specific Solutions
Template-based solutions are becoming the standard for quick map deployment. These pre-built options target specific industries and use cases rather than generic mapping needs.
ArcGIS provides configurable templates for different app types. Users can start with a base template and modify elements like web maps, data layers, and user interfaces. This approach works well for businesses that need industry-specific features.
Google Maps Platform templates focus on common business scenarios. These include store locators, delivery tracking, and service area mapping. Each template connects to Google Maps APIs for full functionality.
The template approach saves significant time compared to building from scratch. Users can deploy functional maps within minutes instead of weeks. Most templates also include mobile-responsive designs that work across different devices.
Many platforms now offer data-driven templates that automatically configure based on uploaded information. This reduces the technical knowledge needed to create professional mapping solutions.
Trends Shaping the Future of Map Building
Map building technology is rapidly evolving to meet growing user expectations for interactive features and enhanced data visualization. Privacy concerns and customization needs are driving new approaches to how maps collect, process, and display location data.
Increasing Demand for Interactive and Embedded Maps
Users increasingly expect maps that respond to their actions and provide real-time information. Interactive features like clickable markers, pop-up information windows, and dynamic filtering have become standard requirements rather than optional extras.
Over 5 million active apps and websites currently use Google Maps APIs, showing the massive demand for embedded mapping solutions. Businesses want maps that integrate seamlessly into their websites and mobile apps.
Key interactive features users now expect include:
Real-time data updates for traffic and business hours
Custom markers and overlays for specific locations
Search and filtering capabilities within the map interface
Mobile-responsive design that works across all devices
The rise of location-based services has pushed developers to create maps that do more than show directions. They need to display inventory levels, appointment availability, and service areas in real-time.
Integration of Street View and Visualization Tools
Google Street View has covered over 10 million miles of roads worldwide, setting user expectations for immersive visual experiences. Map builders now integrate street-level imagery and 3D visualization tools as core features.
Modern map building platforms offer multiple visualization options beyond traditional flat maps. Users can switch between satellite imagery, street view, and terrain maps within the same interface.
Google Maps Street View integration allows businesses to showcase their storefronts and surrounding areas. This feature helps customers identify locations and feel more confident about visiting new places.
Advanced visualization tools now include:
3D building models for urban areas
Indoor mapping for large venues
Historical imagery to show changes over time
Custom imagery uploads for specialized locations
Security, Privacy, and Data Customization
Privacy regulations like GDPR have changed how map builders collect and store location data. Users want more control over what information gets shared and how long it remains stored.
Google Maps introduced Incognito Mode in 2019, responding to growing privacy concerns. Map builders now must provide similar privacy features to remain competitive.
Data customization has become essential for businesses with specific mapping needs. Generic mapping solutions cannot handle specialized requirements for industries like logistics, real estate, or emergency services.
Security features now include:
Data encryption for sensitive location information
User consent management for data collection
Custom data retention policies
Role-based access controls for business users
Organizations need maps that work with their existing data systems while maintaining security standards. This drives demand for mapping platforms that offer extensive customization options without compromising data protection.



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