Let’s say you’re looking at your map in Google My Maps, but it feels a bit small, and you want to see it bigger. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Look for the Expand Option: When you’re viewing your map, check the top-right corner of the map area. You might see a little square icon with an arrow pointing outward (it looks like it’s trying to stretch). Click that. This makes the map fill your whole screen or at least a larger part of it.

2. Open in Google Maps (Alternative): If you’re previewing your custom map and see a link or button that says 'View in Google Maps' or 'Open in Maps,' click it. This takes your map to the full Google Maps website or app, where it’s bigger and easier to explore.

3. Zoom and Adjust: Once it’s larger, you can use your mouse wheel to zoom in or out, or drag the map around to see more details.

That’s it! You’re just telling the map to take up more space so you can see everything better.

This works whether they’re on a computer or a phone, though the exact buttons might look slightly different. If they’re stuck, they can also hit the 'Preview' button in Google My Maps to see it in a cleaner, larger layout.

How to Export a Track from Google My Maps

1. Open Your Map

   • Go to Google My Maps on your computer and sign in.

   • Select the map containing the track (e.g., a line or route you’ve drawn).

2. Identify the Track

   • In the left panel, find the layer with the line or route you want to export. This could be something you drew manually using the "Draw a line" tool (the squiggly line icon) or imported from a file.

   • If it’s not already a line, you’ll need to have drawn it as one (e.g., a path between points).

3. Export the Map or Layer to KML/KMZ

   • Click the three-dot menu next to the map title (at the top of the left panel).

   • Select "Export to KML/KMZ".

   • A dialog box will appear. Check the box if you want to export only a specific layer (e.g., the one with your track), or leave it unchecked to export the entire map.

   • Choose KML (for broader compatibility) or KMZ (a compressed version of KML).

   • Click Download. This saves the file to your computer.

4. Verify the File

   • Open the KML/KMZ file in a program like Google Earth to confirm your track (the line) is included. It’ll appear as a path or shape you can view.

5. Convert to a Track Format (Optional)

   • If you need a true "track" format like GPX (common for GPS devices or apps), use a third-party tool:

     • Online Converters: Sites like GPS Visualizer or MyGeodata Converter let you upload the KML/KMZ file and convert it to GPX.

     • Steps: Upload the file, select GPX as the output format, and download the converted file.

   • Alternatively, software like QGIS or Garmin BaseCamp can also handle this conversion.

6. Use Your Track

   • Once you have the file (KML/KMZ or GPX), you can import it into a GPS device, a mapping app (e.g., Gaia GPS, AllTrails), or another platform that supports tracks.

Notes

• What’s a Track?: In this context, a "track" is typically a recorded path with timestamps (like from a GPS device). Google My Maps doesn’t record timestamps, so your exported line is more of a static route. Converting to GPX might add basic track-like properties, but it won’t include speed or time data unless you add that elsewhere.

• Limitations: Google My Maps excels at static maps, not dynamic tracking. If you meant exporting a track from Google Maps Timeline (your location history), that’s a different process involving Google Takeout, which I can explain if needed!

• Drawing a Route: If you haven’t made the track yet, use the "Draw a line" tool in Google My Maps to trace your path, then follow the steps above.