# Share an On Google map for two hours

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

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google-temporary-share
Updated: 2026-09-30

Share map creates a read-only snapshot of the geographic view. People with the link can explore it without signing in, but they cannot edit your original map. This is separate from longer-lived sharing of a saved map.

![Two-hour On Google Share this map dialog with consent, create link and email controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/usa-share-dialog.png)

Confirm the map is safe to share, then create a link. Email sending requires a signed-in account.

## 1. Open Share map

In On Google, press Share map below Polygon labels. Read the notice carefully: anyone who has the link may see the map, its key and markers. Do not share a map containing confidential or personal information.

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

## 2. Make and copy a link

Tick the confirmation that the map is suitable for anyone with the link, then press Create a share link. Choose Copy link to paste it into your own message. You can make and copy a link without signing in. The snapshot keeps the current view, colours, key, markers, opacity and polygon-label choice; later edits to your original map will not change it.

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

## 3. Send it from GBMaps if signed in

Type one recipient's email address and press Send map by email. Sending from the site needs a signed-in, verified account. If you are not signed in, use Copy link and send it yourself instead. Only send it to someone expecting your map.

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

## 4. What the recipient sees

For two hours from the moment the link was created, the recipient can view, pan, zoom and inspect the map without an account. They cannot colour or save your map. The page also shows how they can get access to create a map of their own.

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

## 5. After two hours, or if you stop the link

The map disappears from that public link after two hours, even if the email was opened late. The same address then shows a GBMaps introduction page. You may use Stop this link early while the creating view remains open. A person who already copied or took a screenshot of the map cannot have that copy recalled.

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

## Related guides

- [On Google: explore the geographic preview](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google)
- [Google preview: opacity, key & extent](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google-controls)
- [On Google: labels inside ZIP and county areas](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google-labels)
- [Find, reopen & manage saved files](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=saved-files)
- [Log in or unlock from the sidebar](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=login)