Google Maps now allows us to create multi-destination route maps, adding and rearranging up to ten destinations. However, it does not provide a convenient way to convert the resultant map directly into a KML file. A properly formatted KML file is required for Guidetags to generate a tour map with GPS-triggered POI points.

Fortunately, using third-party web-based utilities, it is indeed possible to convert that conventional multi-destination Google route map into a KMZ file, which can in turn be imported into Google 'My Maps' to create a Guidetags route map. Directions are provided below.

We assume that you already have a working knowledge of Google 'My Maps'...if not, spend some time with the online tutorial below:

1. Create your multiple-destination Google Map online as usual.
   Using the 'Share' option (which you can find by clicking on the Menu button on the top left of the map), copy the URL of the map you have just created.
   
   e.g., London Cathedrals route (click to view)

https://goo.gl/maps/231oDetRbAA2

2. TO CONVERT A CONVENTIONAL GOOGLE MAP URL TO A KML FILE, OPEN YOUR BROWSER AT THIS URL:

http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/map_input?form=googleearth

• Enter your Google Maps URL (copied from 'Share' option, above) in the bottom right corner of the GPS Visualizer page, in the box where it says, "Or provide the URL of data on the Web:"
• Note: YOU WILL NEED TO PUT IN A GOOGLE MAPS API KEY BEFORE THE MAP WILL CONVERT.
  

• The GPS Visualizer utility will produce a KMZ file of your map.
• Save the resultant KMZ file in a known location.

• Open Google 'My Maps', at https://www.google.com/maps/about/mymaps/
• Choose '+ Create a New Map'.
• Drag and drop your saved KMZ file into Google My Maps by following the 'Import' instructions on the 'My Maps' edit panel.
  

• Your imported map will have the POI icons ('Waypoints') and route lines ('Tracks') appearing on different layers.
  
  The present release of Guidetags requires that all of these components are on a SINGLE layer.
  
  Furthermore, all the route line segments have to be at the bottom of the list EXCEPT FOR THE FINAL POI POINT, which has to be at the very botttom of the list. Therefore, you will have to:
• Rearrange all your POIs and route segments by dragging and dropping them in the list, so that they are all on ONE LAYER in the Google Map. As mentioned, cluster all your route segments at the BOTTOM of the list, but just before the FINAL POI on your route.
• Delete all the empty layers on your Google My Map. Also, convert the square icons into pin icons, and choose the option to display the names of your POIs.
• When you are finished, your route map will look like this:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Gzs3gjdITanz09Eiee04nFvJwligIihV&usp=sharing

• Centre the map where you want it, and click on the three-dot menu to the right of your map title. Save the default view.
• Also in the same three-dot menu, choose the option "Export to KML'. This will produce a KML file that will be used to generate your Guidetags route map. Save it in a known location.

TO ADD THE ROUTE MAP TO YOUR GUIDETAGS TOUR OVERVIEW PAGE:

• Open the Tour Overview page you are creating on the back end of the Guidetags editor.
  
  
• In a separate window, open your file manager and find the KML file you just created.
  
  
• Click and drag the KML file from your file manager into the dashed gray box that we use for importing photos and maps (found on the bottom right corner of your POI page in Joomla).
• If done correctly, the KML file will immediately generate a map with a route that is identical to the pathway on the conventional Google Map you began with.
  
  Below, you can see the resultant map after it has been imported into the Guidetags platform:

P.S. For those with Superadministrator access status, here is what this page looks like on the back end:

http://www.guidetags.com/administrator/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&layout=edit&id=2842 (Back End)

If you have Superadministrator staus on Guidetags, it is also possible to directly embed the original multiple-destination Google map onto your Guidetags page. Note that this kind of embedded map will NOT cause your POI points to trigger on Guidetags; it is simply a way to provide another map on your Guidetags page for users to consult.

Here's how to do it:

1. On the back end, drag and drop an 'HTML Snippet' page component from the right panel to your Guidetags page.
2. Copy the Google 'Embed' iframe code from the 'Share' panel on your original multi-destination Google map:

3. Paste the code into the 'HTML Snippet' box. The map will appear on the front end, as below: