- To create a new dataset, click Share dataset in the upper left panel.
- You will be prompted to input the following:
- Dataset name. Be sure to choose a name that is both descriptive and easily distinguished from other datasets.
When entering a dataset name, you will be prompted with a list that contains any other similarly named datasets that you have created. This allows you to see if you may have already shared a previous version of the dataset you're currently trying to add. If this dataset has already been shared before, you should not create a new instance. Instead, update the previously created dataset by clicking the corresponding link in the list.
Alternatively, if there are no similarly named datasets, or none of the previously shared datasets correspond to the dataset you are creating, proceed with the dataset creation process.
- Layer types. This is a menu where you can select multiple layer types (buildings, roads, etc.)
At this time, when you share a dataset through the Google Maps Content Partners portal by providing a website URL (see the Share via a website URL section for more information), we can only process datasets using a single URL. This means you can only select multiple layer types if all of the layer types can be downloaded using that single URL. Otherwise, you will need to create separate datasets for additional layer types, each with its own associated URL.
If you create a dataset by manually submitting data (see the Manually upload data section for more information), you can select multiple layer types for a single dataset.
- Description of what you are uploading. Be sure to include any information about your dataset that you think our team should know.
- (Optional) Google representative email address, in case you are working with a Google representative.
Layer types
- Buildings
- Road closures
- Restriction zones
- Geocodes
- Bike facilities
- Land parcels
- Maps/images
- Parks
- Points of interest
- Political
- Postal codes
- Roads
- Trails
- Water bodies
- Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE) custom boundaries
- Indoor mapping data format (IMDF)
- EV charging station
- Trucking restrictions
- Transit
- Other
- Select Continue to next step. This will open the Share dataset dialog, which allows you to select how you want to share your data, and to verify that we can automatically retrieve it. Based on your responses, there are two different pathways for sharing your data: a website URL, and a manually submitted datafile.
Share via a website URL
If you select Google can get data from my data portal/website on a regular basis you will create a website URL dataset.
At this time, we can only process datasets using a single URL. This means you can only select multiple layer types if all of the layer types can be downloaded/accessed via that single URL. Otherwise, you will need to create any additional datasets separately, each with its own associated URL.
1. Enter the Dataset URL, Data retrieval instructions, and Update frequency, then click Continue.
Note: The frequency you set here is simply the requested fetch frequency. We will try to accommodate your requested time, but there is no strict guarantee. You can view the pull frequency that we have set for your dataset under the Data acquisition section of the right-hand panel.
- After clicking Submit, you will see a confirmation message.
- Click View newly created dataset to review the new upload.
We will review your dataset URL, download your data, and begin processing it. If possible, we will upgrade your link to pull automatically on a recurring basis.
Upload a newer version of your data
This section provides instructions for updating your dataset with manually uploaded data. The most common use case for manually uploading data is if a subset of your dataset needs to be corrected.
This section does not provide instructions for updating or changing your data’s acquisition type. For those instructions, see Updating or changing your data’s acquisition type in the Appendix.
- Click Update data > Upload new version in the upper right corner.
- Drag and drop or browse for the data file.
- Press Submit, and your data file will be uploaded.
Dataset upgrade to an automated recurring feed
If our team determines that the URL you provided can be turned into an automated recurring feed, we will upgrade it. This will not significantly alter your dataset, but you may see the following minor changes:
- The Method found in the Data acquisition section will be changed from Recurring pull: download instructions to Recurring pull: feed configuration.
- After some processing time, if there are any issues with Google fetching your data based on the feed information you provided, an error message will be appended to your dataset. You should also receive an email notification. You can disregard these automated messages, as they were generated during the feed upgrade process. If any action is required on your part, our team will contact you via the Communication section.
- During the upgrade process, you may notice multiple versions of your dataset being created in short succession. This is a normal occurrence while we finalize the automated feed setup.
Manually upload data
If you select I want to manually upload files, you will be given the option to manually upload your data files by dragging a copy of your file into the upload window, or by clicking the upload icon to browse for your file.
- Choose the files you want to upload. Ensure you have read our content requirements before uploading, to ensure optimal results.
- Click Submit, and you will see a confirmation message.
- Click View newly created dataset to review the new upload.
Upload a newer version of your data
This section provides instructions for updating your dataset with manually uploaded data.
This section does not provide instructions for updating or changing your data’s acquisition type. For those instructions, see Updating or changing your data’s acquisition type in the Appendix.
- Click Update data > Upload new version in the upper right corner.
- Drag and drop or browse for the data file.
- Press Submit, and your data file will be uploaded.
Appendix
Updating or changing your data’s acquisition type
- Click on the pencil icon next to the Data acquisition section in the right-hand panel.
- From here you can:
a. Change the data acquisition method by clicking on the Data acquisition preference menu.
At this time, if you selected Google can get data from my data portal/website on a regular basis when creating your dataset, the default data acquisition preference will be I prefer for Google to download my data on a regular basis. However, if your URL was determined to be upgradable to an automated recurring feed, the data acquisition preference will be changed to I prefer for Google to get my data from a feed. If this is the case, we ask that you do not edit the Data acquisition preference field, and instead contact our team via the Communication section.
Alternatively, if you chose I want to manually upload files during the initial dataset creation, and you would like to upgrade to a download URL dataset, select I prefer for Google to download my data on a regular basis, provide all required information, then press Submit. Afterwards, we ask that you also leave a message in the Communication section to provide us with your new download URL.
b. Edit the feed setup.
If your URL was determined to be upgradable to an automated recurring feed, the Feed setup section will be set to (required). We ask that you do not edit any information found within the Feed setup (required) section. If any changes to your download link are needed, edit the Download instructions (optional) section, and then send a message in the Communication section to notify us of any changes you made.
c. Edit the download instructions.
If any changes to your download link are needed, edit the Download instructions (optional) section, and then send a message in the Communication section to notify us of any changes you made.
