Save Multiple Google Maps Pins as JPGs: Top Software Solutions & StepsSaving multiple Google Maps pins as JPG images can be useful for presentations, reports, offline reference, or sharing location snapshots with teammates. This guide covers the best software solutions, step-by-step workflows, and practical tips to export multiple map pins to JPG files efficiently and at high quality.
Why export Google Maps pins to JPG?
- Portable format: JPG images are widely supported across devices and platforms.
- Offline access: View maps when you don’t have internet.
- Presentation-ready: Embed static map images in slides, documents, or reports.
- Archival: Keep a visual record of selected locations with date-stamped images.
Top software solutions overview
Below is a concise comparison of recommended tools for exporting multiple Google Maps pins to JPG images.
| Software / Method | Best for | Key features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google My Maps + Screenshots | Simple workflows, small sets | Custom map creation, pin styling, export via screenshot tools | Free |
| Mapbox Studio | High-quality map visuals, design control | Custom styles, high-res static image API | Free tier; paid for higher usage |
| Google Static Maps API | Automated batch exports | URL-based static images, marker parameters, programmable | Paid beyond free tier |
| QGIS (with QuickMapServices) | Advanced GIS, bulk exports | Import KML/CSV, render map tiles, export images | Free, open-source |
| Third-party batch screenshot tools (e.g., Selenium scripts) | Automation for many pins | Headless browser capture, scriptable workflows | Free to moderate (dev time) |
Preparing your pins
-
Collect coordinates:
- Export locations from Google Maps or Google My Maps as KML/CSV, or compile latitude/longitude pairs manually.
- For Google My Maps: Menu → Export to KML/KMZ → choose layer or entire map.
-
Choose map styling:
- Decide if you want default Google styling, a simplified basemap, or custom colors/markers.
- For consistent output, use a single zoom level and map size per batch.
-
Choose output resolution:
- For print-quality images, target 300 DPI at your desired physical dimensions. That often means generating large pixel dimensions (for example, 3000–6000 px wide).
Method 1 — Google My Maps + High-quality screenshots (best for non-developers)
- Create a map in Google My Maps and import your locations (KML/CSV).
- Style pins and layers inside My Maps (colors, icons, labels).
- Set zoom and center for each desired image:
- For multiple pins across different areas, create separate maps or separate layers and toggle visibility.
- Use a high-resolution screenshot tool:
- Windows: Snipping Tool (with scaled display) or third-party apps (ShareX).
- macOS: Cmd+Shift+4 or third-party apps (CleanShot).
- For consistent sizes, set browser window size to exact pixel dimensions (use a responsive design tool or browser dev tools → set device dimensions).
- Capture and save as JPG (or capture PNG then convert to JPG to control compression).
Pros:
- No coding required; full visual control. Cons:
- Manual; time-consuming for many images.
Method 2 — Google Static Maps API (best for automated, consistent output)
- Get an API key from the Google Cloud Console and enable the Static Maps API.
- Construct URLs specifying center, zoom, size, scale, and markers. Example URL structure:
https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=1024x1024&scale=2&zoom=14&markers=color:red|label:A|40.7128,-74.0060&key=YOUR_API_KEY - For multiple pins per image, append multiple marker parameters. For single-pin images, generate one URL per coordinate.
- Use a script (Python, Node.js, curl) to loop through coordinates, request the URL, and save the binary response as .jpg. Example (Python outline): “`python import requests
url_template = “https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?size={w}x{h}&scale={s}&zoom={z}&markers={markers}&key={key}”
for coord in coords:
markers = f"color:red|label:A|{coord['lat']},{coord['lng']}" url = url_template.format(w=1024,h=1024,s=2,z=14,markers=markers,key=API_KEY) r = requests.get(url) with open(f"{coord['name']}.jpg", "wb") as f: f.write(r.content) ”`
- Respect Google’s usage limits and billing; the Static Maps API can incur costs at scale.
Pros:
- Fully automatable; consistent sizing and format.
Cons: - Requires API key and may have cost; styling is limited compared to interactive maps.
Method 3 — Mapbox Static Images / Mapbox Studio (best for high-quality custom styling)
- Create a Mapbox account and design a custom style in Mapbox Studio (colors, label visibility, marker icons).
- Use Mapbox Static Images API to request images with specified markers or overlays.
- Script batch requests similar to Google Static Maps; Mapbox supports high-resolution outputs and custom sprites.
- Save responses as JPG and apply post-processing if needed.
Pros:
- Superior styling control and aesthetics.
Cons: - Learning curve; usage costs for large batches.
Method 4 — QGIS + QuickMapServices (best for GIS users & bulk print-quality exports)
- Install QGIS (free) and the QuickMapServices plugin to load basemaps.
- Import your locations from CSV or KML as a point layer.
- Style points, labels, and map frame. Use composer/Layouts for precise image sizing and export DPI settings.
- For bulk exports, use QGIS’s Atlas feature to iterate over features and export one image per feature at high resolution. Exported images can be JPG with chosen compression.
Pros:
- Powerful layout and batch export; full control over cartography.
Cons: - Heavier learning curve.
Method 5 — Automated browser capture (Selenium / Puppeteer) for flexible visuals
- Write a script that opens Google Maps or a custom HTML page with the Google Maps JavaScript API.
- Programmatically set map center, zoom, and place markers.
- Use headless Chrome (Puppeteer) or Selenium to capture screenshots at exact sizes. Save as PNG then convert to JPG if desired.
- This approach allows interactive styling and automated iteration over many coordinates.
Pros:
- Flexible and programmable; mimics user view precisely.
Cons: - Requires development skills and maintenance.
Tips for high-quality results
- Use scale=2 (or higher where supported) to get retina-quality images.
- Generate PNG when capturing screenshots and convert to JPG with controlled compression to avoid artifacts.
- Fix a consistent aspect ratio and resolution for batch consistency.
- If adding labels in post-processing, use vector-based tools (Illustrator, Inkscape) or annotate within QGIS/My Maps for crisper text.
- When printing, export at 300 DPI: width_px = (inches * 300). For example, an 8” wide image at 300 DPI → 2400 px.
Legal and attribution considerations
- Check Google Maps Platform Terms of Service and attribution requirements when using Google maps imagery in public or commercial products. Some APIs require visible attribution and have restrictions on storing imagery. Mapbox and other providers have their own licensing rules.
Recommended workflow examples
Example A — Non-developer, small batch:
- Use Google My Maps → style pins → set browser window to 1600×900 → use ShareX or macOS screenshot → save as JPG.
Example B — Developer, large batch:
- Use Google Static Maps API or Mapbox Static Images API → write Python/Node script to loop through coordinates → save JPGs with naming conventions and metadata.
Example C — Cartographer, high-quality print:
- Use QGIS with basemap plugins → style layer and layout → use Atlas to export one JPG per feature at 300 DPI.
Quick checklist before exporting
- [ ] Collected and verified coordinates.
- [ ] Chosen zoom level and image dimensions.
- [ ] Confirmed marker styling and labels.
- [ ] Checked API quotas and billing (if using APIs).
- [ ] Confirmed licensing/attribution requirements.
If you want, tell me which workflow fits you (non-developer, developer, or cartographer) and how many pins you need to export — I’ll provide a tailored step-by-step script or settings.
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