# Import Excel: postcode territories

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

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=excel
Updated: 2026-10-22

Use this panel when a spreadsheet already tells you which postcode belongs to which territory. The data is matched to polygons in the selected map.

[Watch tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXFxOiq1m-A)

Some videos show an earlier layout. The written instructions below describe the current controls; this is a guide, not a video transcript.

![Import Excel: postcode territories — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/excel.png)

The current panel, with its options expanded where useful. Select a numbered circle to read its explanation.

## 1. Postcodes column

Copy the postcode column from Excel and paste it here, one postcode per row and without a heading. Use codes that exist at the selected map’s level. Keep codes such as leading-zero ZIP codes as text in your spreadsheet.

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

## 2. Zone names column

Paste the matching territory names in the same row order. Repeated names put several postcodes into the same territory. Leaving the entire column blank uses Zone 1. For a meaningful multi-territory map, supply a name for every postcode.

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

## 3. Clear each column

The Clear button below a column empties that input. It does not act as a general “clear my map” command. Clear and replace both columns together when importing a different table.

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

## 4. Reverse order

Reverses both columns together and updates the map from the reversed data. It is useful for changing the order in which names appear in the key. It is an action on the import, not just a cosmetic sort of one text box.

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

## 5. Colour range

Choose the family of colours to use when the importer assigns colours to territories, or choose Random. Related shades can suggest a series, but clearly different colours are usually better for unrelated sales teams.

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

## 6. Import to map

Processes the paired columns and colours the matching polygons. Check any feedback and inspect the result: a district code cannot create missing sector geometry. Save a separate version before importing over a map you may need again.

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

## 7. Import with colours

Opens the larger dialog with a third column for your chosen colours and an optional table for extra key text. Use it for a repeatable colour scheme across several maps.

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

## 8. Sample data

Open the sample chooser to see prepared examples. Selecting a sample imports it immediately, so save your current work before experimenting. Samples are useful for learning the required data structure.

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

### What this looks like

Current GBMaps controls with example maps and account details. Choose View larger to see the details.

![Find this tool in the menu — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-menu-excelDataMenu.png?v=1792654464)

[**Find this tool in the menu**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=excel#excel--postcodes)

The current menu entry. Expand its options as described in the numbered instructions; extra controls appear when an item or data has been added.

## Related guides

- [Postcode areas, districts & sectors explained](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=postcode-guide)
- [Excel import with your own colours](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=excel-colours)
- [Get a spreadsheet ready for import](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=import-checklist)
- [How to colour a postcode map from a spreadsheet](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=spreadsheet-recipe)
- [START HERE: names, colours & territories](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colouring)