Something new from the Google Maps crew today – Google my Maps. By the end of this year, all maps created in classic Google Maps will automatically upgrade to the new My Maps, but to get started right away, open up the new My Maps and “Upgrade now,” then check out the tour—found in the settings menu—for tips on creating your own custom content.

This from Google…

With Google Maps Gallery, you’ve been able to access some of the world’s most stunning maps, from David Rumsey’s historic maps to images of outer space. Starting today, the gallery is even more useful now that everyone—individuals, organizations, nonprofits, and governments—will be able to contribute their public maps for the world to see. From travel ideas to storytelling maps, find what suits your needs in Google Maps Gallery.

And you can create and share your own custom maps with My Maps (previously called Google Maps Engine Lite). Here are some cool My Maps people have created, all of which you’re now able to find in Google Maps Gallery:

• If you’re taking a road trip, plot out your route and add itinerary details along the way. Afterward, add pictures and YouTube videos to create your own personal scrapbook.

• Map out the best jazz venues in Chicago or breweries in Los Angeles, and add your own comments, reviews, and photos

• TV fans can create maps for their favorite shows like this map of Sherlock Holmes’ famous locations

• Sports fans can make a map of incoming recruits

• Activists can pay tribute to the greats of the world, like Nelson Mandela

If you want to share your map with the world, just set your map to public, and it’ll be included in Google Maps Gallery—of course, you can always keep your map private or only share it with just a few people if you prefer. See more in this blog post from Google