Google Maps - Symbols

Quiz

In addition to markers, polygons, polylines, and other geometrical shapes, we can also add predefined vector images(symbols) on a map. This chapter explains how to use the symbols provided by Google Maps.

Adding a Symbol

Google provides various vector-based images (symbols) that can be used on a marker or a polyline. Just like other overlays, to draw these predefined symbols on a map, we have to instantiate their respective classes. Given below is a list of predefined symbols provided by Google and their class names −

Circle − google.maps.SymbolPath.CIRCLE
Backward Pointing arrow (closed) − google.maps.SymbolPath.BACKWARD_CLOSED_ARROW
Forward Pointing arrow (closed) − google.maps.SymbolPath.FORWARD_CLOSED_ARROW
Forward Pointing arrow (open) − google.maps.SymbolPath.CIRCLE
Backward Pointing arrow (open) − google.maps.SymbolPath.CIRCLE

These symbols have the following properties − path, fillColor, fillOpacity, scale, stokeColor, strokeOpacity, and strokeWeight.

Example

The following example demonstrates how to draw predefined symbols on Google Map.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
   
   <head>
      <script src = "https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js"></script>
      
      <script>
         function loadMap() {
			
            var mapOptions = {
               center:new google.maps.LatLng(17.433053, 78.412172),
               zoom:5
            }
            
            var map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("sample"),mapOptions);
            
            var marker = new google.maps.Marker({
               position: map.getCenter(),
               
               icon: {
                  path: google.maps.SymbolPath.BACKWARD_CLOSED_ARROW,
                  scale: 5,
                  strokeWeight:2,
                  strokeColor:"#B40404"
               },
					
               draggable:true,
               map: map,
            });
         }
      </script>
      
   </head>
   
   <body onload = "loadMap()">
      <div id = "sample" style = "width:580px; height:400px;"></div>
   </body>
   
</html>

It produces the following output −

Animating the Symbol

Just like markers, you can add animations such as bounce and drop to the symbols as well.

Example

The following example shows how to use a symbol as a marker on a map and add animation to it −

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
   
   <head>
      <script src = "https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js"></script>
      
      <script>
         function loadMap() {
			
            var mapOptions = {
               center:new google.maps.LatLng(17.433053, 78.412172),
               zoom:5
            }
            
            var map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("sample"),mapOptions);
            
            var marker = new google.maps.Marker({
               position: map.getCenter(),
               
               icon: {
                  path: google.maps.SymbolPath.BACKWARD_CLOSED_ARROW,
                  scale: 5,
                  strokeWeight:2,
                  strokeColor:"#B40404"
               },
               
               animation:google.maps.Animation.DROP,
               draggable:true,
               map: map
            });
         }
      </script>
      
   </head>
   
   <body onload = "loadMap()">
      <div id = "sample" style = "width:580px; height:400px;"></div>
   </body>
   
</html>

It produces the following output −

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