How to create digital walking maps

Follow the steps below. Organisations such as councils can request more detailed instructions if required.

1. Using a PC (not a mobile device) register an account at the walkingmaps.com.au homepage.
   Note: username displays on maps so you may wish to use the name of your organisation or group
   
   
2. Once logged in, begin making a map by hitting the 'Create' tab.
   
   
3. Start plotting the walk route by:
   a) finding the start point on the Google Map and manually plotting the route. Switching to 'satellite' view can help ensure you follow the actual track accurately and do no cross trees, buildings etc. Be sure to drop enough markers / points to reflect the trail's curves etc ... 
   
   b) Or, by uploading a GPX file of the walk route (recorded by an app such as Geo Tracker). 
   
   
4. Name the map (use the walk or park name).
   Include the area, Eg: Redwood Forest walk, Warburton. Then fill in the walk 'address' field (the walk's start point).
   
   
5. Check the automatically-calculated walk time ('duration') is realistic. Steep, or rocky walks may require an adjustment to Google’s automatic calculation.
   
   
6. Summarise the walk – give a brief description of the walk in a way that will inspire others to try it. This summary will appear when the finished map is shared on your social media or listed in browser search results.
   
   
7. Describe the walk in greater detail in the larger box provided. Give extra interesting or relevant information. You may also include a relevant website link.
   Note: Links to business websites may not be permitted on Staff Pick walks unless the map is sponsored or created in partnership with Victoria Walks.
   
   
8. Grade the walk (level): Is the walk easy or difficult? Consider its length and terrain. Who is the walk suitable for? Do not mark the walk as 'easy' unless someone pushing a pram or using a mobility aid is likely to be able to complete the walk.
   Accessibility: To find out how to assess walks for All Abilities access and grading, see this page. 
   
   
9. Save your map and move to the next page to upload Points of Interest (photos) to the route. 

• Upload 5-12 photos showcasing the walk’s highlights and interesting features. 
• It is best to take photos in landscape orientation as these display best on our digital maps.
• Include some photos showing people walking on - and enjoying - the track or views (people who have given you permission).
• If your images are high resolution it may be best to reduce the file size to about 1MB to make this step faster.
• ** Photos must be original, or the rights owned by you / your organisation or your map will not be be made a 'Staff Pick' and may be deleted.
  
  

      10.  Add relevant features (eg: are there public toilets?)

      11.  Publish and verify your walk to view it live. Share!

Ensure your Walking Map is a 'Staff Pick' walk!
   

Map creators must perform the above steps (clear map name, description and 5-12 quality photos of the route) in order for the map to be labelled as a 'Staff Pick' map. Staff Pick walks appear in automatic search results, while maps that are not staff picks do not.

If you're having trouble creating a map, please contact us using this form.

Promoting your walks

You can now share your digital map to social media, email the URL to friends, or link to it from your own websites or newsletters. 

Organisations can contact Victoria Walks to nominate: 

• a preferred image for social media sharing
• enquire about adding banner images 

For more detailed instructions and to ensure your walk is marked as a ‘Staff Pick’ (visible to all users at the Walking Maps homepage) please refer to our detailed Walking Maps instructions above.