Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Google Maps saved list?

A Google Maps saved list is a personal collection of pinned places you build inside the Google Maps app under "Your places" → "Saved". You can label each pin, group them by theme, and (optionally) make the list public via a share link — others can then open it inside their own Maps app or in a browser. Map Collections is a curated directory of these public lists, so you don't have to hunt them down on Reddit threads or screenshots.

What's the difference between a saved list and a shared Google Maps list?

A saved list is private by default — only you see it inside Google Maps under "Your places". A shared (or public) Google Maps list is one where the owner generated a share link, so anyone with the URL can open the list, follow the pins, or save it to their own account. Every list in this directory is a public shared list — that's the whole point of the catalog. Some shared lists are also collaborative (multiple editors), but most curator-style lists are read-only shares.

How do I open a list from this page?

Tap any card and we open the original Google Maps list in a new tab. On mobile, that opens straight in the Maps app if it's installed; on desktop, it opens in maps.google.com. From there you can save the list to your own account, navigate to any pin, or share it onward — none of those interactions touch AppicLab.

How are these lists chosen?

Every list in this directory is hand-picked: we only add publicly shared lists with a clear theme, a recognizable curator, and pins that survive a brief sanity check. We do not auto-scrape Reddit or Twitter, and we do not include lists whose owner hasn't opted into public sharing. If a list later goes private, the card stops resolving and we remove it on the next pass.

Can I suggest a list to add?

Yes! Send us the Google Maps share URL (maps.app.goo.gl/…) along with a city and a theme via the submission form on this page, and we'll review it for the next batch — accepted lists are published with credit to the original creator.

Why country, city, and theme separately?

Because mixing them in one chip row gets crowded fast. Country narrows the catalog without overcommitting (you can browse all of Japan, not just Tokyo), city pinpoints a destination, and themes (coffee, ramen, bookstores, hidden gems) cut across cities so you can find "coffee shops" worldwide. All three filters compose — pick one, two, or all three.