How to Make an Interactive Map on Google Slides

Quick summary

An interactive map in Google Slides lets presenters turn static geographic visuals into clickable, slide-linked experiences without any third-party tools. By layering transparent shapes over a map image and linking each shape to a designated slide, you create a fully navigable presentation audiences can explore in Slideshow mode.

Steps

1. Open your blank presentation in Google Slides.
2. In the menu bar, click Insert, hover over Image, then choose a method of adding your map.
3. Use a transparent map image for best visual results.
4. Go back to the menu bar, click Insert, hover over Shape, click Shapes, and choose the shape you want to use as a button.
5. Insert your shapes over the different interactive sections of your map.
6. Add new slides for each map area.
7. Right-click each shape, then click Link.
8. Click Slides in this presentation.
9. Select your designated slide for your chosen map area; repeat until all map areas are linked to their slides.
10. While a shape is selected, click Fill color in the menu bar and set it to transparent; repeat for all shapes.
11. Click Border color in the menu bar and set it to transparent for all shapes.
12. Click Slideshow to test your interactive map.
13. Verify your mouse pointer changes to a hand over each map area, confirming every area is interactive.