# On Google: explore the geographic preview

Official GBMaps guide for the classic map maker. VectorMaps has a different interface.

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google
Updated: 2026-10-21

See your territory polygons against a geographic background. This view helps you inspect locations and coverage, turn polygon labels on or off, and create a short-lived read-only link to share. The print artwork is still edited in Print View or Design.

![On Google: explore the geographic preview — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/google.png)

Actual geographic viewer with example territories. Background © OpenStreetMap contributors. Numbers link to the explanations.

## 1. Open On Google

The tool prepares the current map and loads the viewer. While it is loading, search and other dependent controls may be unavailable. If a load fails, use the displayed Retry action. A preview may show sample colouring when the map is not unlocked. New Zealand district maps are supported: your territory colours appear over a geographic background with roads and place names. Zoom in for more local detail; lower the Opacity slider if the colours obscure the background.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google#google--open)

## 2. Why the editing menus disappear

The sidebar is hidden because those controls edit the SVG artwork and would not immediately change the loaded geographic preview. It cannot be opened in this view. Return to Design or Print View; the sidebar’s earlier visible/hidden state is restored.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google#google--sidebar)

## 3. Drag to pan

Hold and drag the geographic map to move around it. This changes the view of the background and overlay together. It does not drag the territory boundaries into a different geographic location.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google#google--pan)

## 4. Wheel, pinch, double-click or + / −

Use the mouse wheel, a two-finger pinch or the viewer’s zoom buttons to change scale. Double-clicking the map zooms in. These are geographic-view gestures; they do not change the scale of the map artwork on the printed page.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google#google--zoom)

## 5. Search from the main toolbar

Enter a postcode or place in the top search and run it. The viewer locates and pans/zooms to the result once ready. Clear removes the search marker/indication without erasing territory polygons. In the standalone viewer its own postcode box is available; the embedded tab uses the shared top search. New Zealand district maps search the four-digit postcodes on the loaded map, including leading zeroes such as 0283. Australian and New Zealand postcode searches do not look up UK place names.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google#google--search)

## 6. Point at the polygons

Move the pointer over a polygon to see a small popup with its postcode and assigned territory name. The popup follows the pointer and disappears when you leave the polygon. This is an inspection aid; return to the editor to change the assignment.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google#google--inspect)

## 7. See your latest changes

Return to Print View or Design, edit the map, then select On Google again to prepare a fresh preview. The tab remembers its recent centre, zoom and opacity while you switch views. Do not expect an already loaded external viewer to update every keystroke in the editor.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google#google--refresh)

## Related guides

- [Google preview: opacity, key & extent](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google-controls)
- [Show only your assigned territories](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=hide-unassigned)
- [Print View, Design & On Google](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=views)
- [How to download your map as PDF, PNG, SVG or PowerPoint](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=downloads)
- [On Google: labels inside ZIP and county areas](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google-labels)
- [Share an On Google map for two hours](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google-temporary-share)