Save Multiple Google Maps Locations as JPG — Best Software Tools ReviewedSaving multiple Google Maps locations as JPG files can be essential for presentations, offline reference, reporting, or sharing static visual directions. This guide reviews the best software tools and methods to export or capture multiple map locations as high-quality JPG images, compares their strengths and weaknesses, and provides practical tips and a sample workflow for batch processing.
Why export map locations as JPG?
- JPG is widely supported across devices and applications.
- Static images are easy to embed in documents, slides, and reports.
- Offline access: images don’t require internet or Google Maps access.
- Control over appearance: crop, annotate, and style maps before sharing.
Key considerations when choosing software
- Ability to batch process multiple locations.
- Image quality and resolution options (high-DPI/print-ready).
- Customization: map style, zoom level, labels, markers.
- Legal and terms-of-service compliance with Google Maps.
- Ease of use and automation capability (APIs, scripting).
- Cost and platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, web).
Top tools and methods
1) Google My Maps + Screenshots (manual / semi-automatic)
Pros:
- Familiar Google environment; easy to place many pins.
- Free and accessible via browser.
Cons:
- Manual screenshots are time-consuming for large batches.
- Limited control over output resolution and consistent framing.
How-to summary:
- Create a map in Google My Maps and add all locations (import CSV/KML if needed).
- Use the browser’s zoom and map controls to set framing for each location or use the map view with multiple pins.
- Capture screenshots manually or with browser extensions that can capture viewport or full-page screenshots.
- Save as JPG and crop if needed.
Best for: Small batches and users who prefer a GUI without programming.
2) Google Maps Static API (programmatic, scalable)
Pros:
- Precise control over image size, zoom, center, markers, map type.
- Automatable for large batches via scripts.
- High reliability and repeatability.
Cons:
- Requires API key and billing enabled (Google Cloud billing).
- Usage limits and costs apply for high-volume exports.
- Must follow Google Maps Platform Terms of Service.
How-to summary:
- Obtain a Google Maps Static API key from Google Cloud Console and enable billing.
- Construct Static Maps API URLs for each location with parameters (center, zoom, size, markers, scale). Example URL template:
https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=LAT,LNG&zoom=15&size=1200x800&scale=2&markers=color:red%7Clabel:A%7CLAT,LNG&key=YOUR_API_KEY - Download images (curl, wget, Python requests). Convert PNG to JPG if needed, or request JPG output where supported by converting after download.
Best for: Developers and users needing bulk, automated exports with consistent settings.
3) GIS Tools (QGIS + plugins)
Pros:
- Powerful control over styling, layers, labels, and export resolution.
- Can import bulk coordinate lists and produce tailored map layouts.
- Free, open-source (QGIS).
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for non-GIS users.
- Requires setting up basemap sources; using Google basemaps may violate Google’s TOS unless you have appropriate licensing.
How-to summary:
- Import CSV with coordinates into QGIS as a point layer.
- Add a basemap (use OpenStreetMap or another allowed basemap).
- Style points, add labels, and use the Print Layout to design the map.
- Export multiple layouts or automate exports via PyQGIS scripts for batch JPG generation.
Best for: High-quality cartographic exports where customization and print-ready images are needed.
4) Dedicated Batch Capture Tools (e.g., MapTiler, Snagit automations, web-capture scripts)
Pros:
- Some tools offer automated capture workflows and can handle lists of URLs or coordinates.
- Snagit has macros/automation for repetitive screenshot tasks; MapTiler can generate map tiles or static images.
Cons:
- Commercial licensing for many dedicated tools.
- Integration with Google Maps requires care for Terms of Service.
How-to summary:
- Prepare a list of map URLs or coordinates.
- Use tool-specific batch capture features or automation to navigate to each URL and save screenshots at desired resolution.
- Post-process into JPG and optionally annotate.
Best for: Users wanting GUI-driven batch capture without coding.
5) Custom Scripting with Headless Browsers (Puppeteer, Playwright)
Pros:
- Fine control over styling, viewport, and timing to ensure tiles load correctly.
- Can automate complex interactions (marker placement, custom popups) before capturing.
- Open-source and scriptable.
Cons:
- Requires coding knowledge (JavaScript/Node.js).
- Must manage rate limits and respect Google’s usage policies.
How-to summary:
- Write a script that loads a Google Maps URL or custom HTML using Google Maps JS API in a headless Chromium instance.
- Set viewport size and zoom level; add markers programmatically.
- Wait for tiles/markers to render fully, then capture screenshots and save as JPG. Example minimal Puppeteer flow: “`javascript const puppeteer = require(‘puppeteer’);
(async () => { const browser = await puppeteer.launch(); const page = await browser.newPage(); await page.setViewport({ width: 1600, height: 900 }); await page.goto(‘file:///path/to/local_map_with_coords.html’); // or a Google Maps URL await page.waitForTimeout(2000); // ensure tiles load await page.screenshot({ path: ‘map-1.jpg’, type: ‘jpeg’, quality: 85 }); await browser.close(); })();
Best for: Programmers who need full automation and customization. --- ## Comparison table | Tool / Method | Batch capability | Ease of use | Customization | Cost | TOS considerations | |---|---:|---:|---:|---:|---| | Google My Maps + Screenshots | Low | High (GUI) | Low | Free | Acceptable for personal use; manual screenshots typically fine | | Google Maps Static API | High | Medium | High | Pay-as-you-go | Must follow Google Maps Platform TOS; billing required | | QGIS (with allowed basemaps) | High | Medium–Low | Very high | Free | Avoid Google basemaps unless licensed | | Batch Capture Tools (Snagit, MapTiler) | Medium–High | High | Medium | Often commercial | Check each tool’s handling of Google Maps content | | Puppeteer / Playwright scripts | High | Medium (coding) | Very high | Free (dev time) | Must respect Google’s terms and rate limits | --- ## Legal and Terms-of-Service note Using Google Maps content for automated bulk extraction or redistribution can be restricted by Google’s Terms of Service. For programmatic access, prefer the official Google Maps APIs (Static Maps, Maps JavaScript API) with an API key and billing enabled, and review licensing if you plan to redistribute maps commercially. For high-volume or commercial use, contact Google for proper licensing. --- ## Sample end-to-end workflow (using Static Maps API + Python) 1. Prepare a CSV with columns: name, latitude, longitude. 2. Use a Python script to read CSV, generate Static Maps API URLs for each row, download images, convert to JPG (if needed), and name files appropriately. Example (Python, requests): ```python import csv, requests, os API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY' TEMPLATE = "https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?center={lat},{lng}&zoom=15&size=1200x800&scale=2&markers=color:red%7C{lat},{lng}&key={key}" os.makedirs('maps', exist_ok=True) with open('locations.csv', newline='') as csvfile: reader = csv.DictReader(csvfile) for row in reader: lat, lng = row['latitude'], row['longitude'] url = TEMPLATE.format(lat=lat, lng=lng, key=API_KEY) r = requests.get(url) filename = f"maps/{row['name'].replace(' ','_')}.jpg" with open(filename, 'wb') as f: f.write(r.content) Notes:
- Monitor API usage and costs.
- For PNG responses, convert to JPEG using Pillow if desired.
Tips for better image output
- Use scale=2 or higher for higher DPI.
- Choose larger size parameters for print-quality images (e.g., 2400×1600) but watch API limits.
- Consistent naming: use sanitized place names or incremental numbers.
- Add watermarks or legends after download if required.
- If using screenshots, ensure consistent viewport and zoom for uniformity.
Conclusion
For one-off or small batches, Google My Maps with manual screenshots or a GUI batch-capture tool may be sufficient. For reliable, repeatable bulk exports, the Google Maps Static API or headless-browser scripting (Puppeteer/Playwright) are the strongest choices, while QGIS is best when you need high-quality cartographic control but should avoid unlicensed Google tiles. Always review Google’s Terms of Service and enable proper API billing and keys when using programmatic access.
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