Organize and Format Text Lists
Here you learn how to arrange the names of places you want to pin onto the map so you can quickly import a lot of them in one batch, rather than individually. It does require converting the text list to a csv, as explained below.
Start by arranging your places in separate text lists by category, for example, historic sites, hotels, shopping streets, restaurants. Then you can build individual map layers with those themes.
Add places to map: one at a time or in a batch?
As explained just down below, it is best to import a group of places together in a batch. On the other hand, you can add places to the map one at a time, by typing the place name into the search bar at the top of the map.
Batch is Best
Rather than individually adding locations, it is much faster and more efficient to import a complete list of places all at once, adding many sights to the map with a single click.
How to make a batch using csv:
First, create plain text lists of all your desired sites to see, with the name, description and place.
Example of CSV file
Convert list into CSV
To import a batch list of places into GMM it must be in csv format (comma-separated values). First you build a text list then convert it to csv.
Separators
Use a separator in the text, which could be a comma, tab or semicolon, where you want those columns to form. Because the description you have captured probably has some commas, it is better to use a semicolon as the separator.
Example of text with semicolon separators:
Piazza Marina; This large square contains the Giardino Garibaldi, a public garden with enormous ficus trees creating shaded walkways and seating areas.; Palermo; Sicily
Convert text to csv
Use Excel to convert text to csv or some other spreadsheet tool as explained next.
Apple Numbers
Apple Numbers (a free app with Apple) can easily convert text into CSV format.
Use Google Drive and Google Sheets to create csv from text
- Open Google Sheets
- https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/
- Create a new blank spreadsheet
- Go to the top menu and select File → Import
- Choose Upload and select your text file
- In the pop-up dialog, under Separator type, pick Custom
- Enter a single semicolon (`;`) as the custom separator
- Click Import data
Use AI to convert text to csv
Use one of the various free AI apps, such as ChatGPT or Claude to convert it to csv.