# Map words & gesture quick reference

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

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=glossary
Updated: 2026-09-29

A few terms are used throughout the tool. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right control.

## 1. Territory, zone and key entry

A named group of assigned polygons. The tool uses “zone” in some import fields and “team” in older explanations. The key, also called a legend, tells the reader what those colours mean.

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

## 2. Area, district, sector and full postcode

YO is a postcode area; YO18 is a district; YO18 7 is a sector; YO18 7TG is a full postcode. Boundary maps and location tools use these at different levels. A full postcode location is not the same thing as a polygon for every individual address.

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

## 3. Polygon, boundary and label

A polygon is a map shape that can receive a territory assignment. Its boundary is the line around it; its label is the text naming it. Visibility and colour controls can affect each separately.

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

## 4. Radius, interval and band

Radius is the distance from a centre to a circle’s edge. Interval is the step between successive ring radii. A travel band is one part of a road-distance or travel-time result.

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

## 5. Gesture reminder

Map: click to colour, drag to move, wheel/pinch to zoom. Key: click a name to select, click a square to recolour, drag a name to reorder vertically, drag the background to move, wheel over a portrait key to resize. Google: drag to pan, wheel/pinch/double-click or +/− to zoom; it does not paint territories.

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

## 6. Hide, delete, clear and cancel

Hide retains an item for later. Delete removes the named map item or record. Clear text/columns empties an input and may leave existing artwork alone. Cancel in a draft dialog leaves its unapplied changes out of the map. Read the exact control because these are not interchangeable.

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

## Related guides

- [Postcode areas, districts & sectors explained](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=postcode-guide)
- [Colour whole areas or smaller districts](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colour-mode)
- [Move, zoom & frame the map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures)
- [Click, drag & resize the key](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=key-gestures)
- [On Google: explore the geographic preview](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google)