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How to Draw Radius Circles on a Google Map

Google Maps has revolutionized how people get from point A to point B, which is why it’s the go-to app for people on the move. However, it does have some limitations. For instance, the app does not currently allow users to draw radius circles. Radius circles help people visualize the area surrounding a location. If you need a radius circle, you’ll have to use a tool that works in conjunction with the functionalities of Google Maps. This could be a tool like Maptive or a specialized line of code.

Options for Drawing Radius Circles on a Google Map

1. Maptive

This Google Maps-based tool offers radius mapping and proximity analysis. It is easy to operate, all you have to do is choose a starting point marker and input your proximity distance. You can then analyze a segment of your location data to determine how far one map point is from others, where the points on your map lie, and discover how many points are within various distance increments. This tool is cloud-based and completely customizable. All data is saved in the cloud, so multiple users in a team can work on the map at any time. Users can personalize their radii colors and modify the available information in the popup within the circle.

Another feature of this program is the option to add multiple radii around a particular marker. For example, you might set your center point as your house and then create a radius to map out the distance between your home and the schools within 5 miles. Then you can create a second radius of another 10 miles to explore school options that are a little further out.

Maptive also has several other mapping tools that can be used with the radius tool. For instance, the grouping tool allows you to group data by state. You can then use the radius tool to add a radius to all the locations in this state.

2. Google’s Drawing Library for Developers

The Google Maps Platform offers a Javascript API which developers can use to expand the capabilities of Google Maps. If a developer wants to add a radius circle to a Google Map, they can utilize the DrawingManager. This feature provides a graphical interface that allows you to draw shapes such as polygons, polylines, rectangles, circles, and markers. The DrawingManger is part of a self-contained library called the Drawing Library. It is separate from the main Maps API JavaScript code. To use this functionality, it needs to first be loaded using the libraries parameter in the Maps API bootstrap URL:

 

<script defer

src=”https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?key=YOUR_API_KEY&libraries=drawing&callback=initMap”>

</script>

 

Once the libraries parameter has been added, you need to create a DrawingManager object using the following code:

 

var drawingManager = new google.maps.drawing.DrawingManager();

drawingManager.setMap(map);

 

 3. Map Developers 

Map Developers is an online tool that lets you draw radii on a Google Map displayed on their website. To use this tool, you simply add an address or click a point on the map to place a circle on that spot. You can then adjust the radius size manually or by entering distance measurements. Users can add as many radius circles as they want to the map, allowing you to see where various circles intersect. This map is shareable but lacks customization options. 

Summary

Radius mapping is a useful way to identify specific landmarks or locations within a defined area. Unfortunately, Google Maps doesn’t allow you to draw radius circles in its program. Luckily there are programs that work in conjunction with Google Maps that will enable you to do so. We’ve listed three options for doing so, but there are more out there. Just remember to always ensure that the map you’re working on states that Google Maps power it.

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