Creating a Map in Google Sheets

To create a map in Google Sheets, you can utilize the Google Maps functionality through the IMAGE function to display a static map, or leverage Google Charts for interactive maps. Below are the methods for both approaches along with their respective formulas.

Method 1: Using the IMAGE Function

This method allows you to generate a static map image directly in your Google Sheets using latitude and longitude coordinates.

Formula

=IMAGE("https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=" & A1 & "," & B1 & "&zoom=12&size=600x300&markers=color:red%7C" & A1 & "," & B1 & "&key=YOUR_API_KEY")

Explanation

• IMAGE: Displays an image in the cell.
• URL: Constructs a URL to access the Google Maps static map API.
• A1 & B1: Should contain the latitude and longitude values, respectively.
• zoom: Sets the zoom level of the map (1-20).
• size: Sets the dimensions of the map image.
• markers: Determines where a marker will be placed on the map (e.g., colored red).
• YOUR_API_KEY: Replace with your actual Google Maps API Key.

Example

Assuming:

• Cell A1 = 37.7749 (Latitude for San Francisco)
• Cell B1 = -122.4194 (Longitude for San Francisco)

The formula becomes:

=IMAGE("https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=37.7749,-122.4194&zoom=12&size=600x300&markers=color:red%7C37.7749,-122.4194&key=YOUR_API_KEY")

Method 2: Using Google Charts for Interactive Maps

For a more dynamic representation, Google Charts can be used within Google Sheets. This requires a Google Apps Script.

Setup

1. Open your Google Sheet.
2. Click on Extensions > Apps Script.
3. Create a new script, and insert the following code:

Code Snippet (JavaScript)

function showMap() { var html = HtmlService.createHtmlOutput('

'); SpreadsheetApp.getUi().showModalDialog(html, 'Map'); }

Explanation

• HtmlService: Allows creation of HTML output, where Google Maps will be embedded.
• JavaScript: Utilizes Google Maps JavaScript API to create and manipulate the map and marker.
• ( YOUR_API_KEY ): Insert your Google Maps API Key here for the script to work.

Example Usage

1. Save the script.
2. Close the Apps Script window.
3. Run the showMap function from the Apps Script editor to display a map centered at the coordinates provided in the code.

Conclusion

Creating a map in Google Sheets can be executed through a static image representation using the IMAGE function or an interactive map using Google Charts via Apps Script. For both methods, it is essential to utilize a valid Google Maps API Key to function correctly.

To further enhance your proficiency in Google Sheets and related functionalities, consider exploring the courses available on the Enterprise DNA Platform.