# Ask the map assistant Official GBMaps guide for the classic map maker. VectorMaps has a different interface. Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant Updated: 2026-11-06 Try the assistant as a visitor, or sign in for a larger daily allowance. The line below the heading shows your remaining messages. Read the conversation above the question box; type, speak or attach a reference beside it. Tell it what you want to make, or ask about something that is not working as expected. It can make changes to your open map, or give short steps with links to the illustrated instructions. ## 1. Build from a picture, PDF or spreadsheet Choose the paperclip beside the question box to Attach file. Choose an image (PNG, JPG or WebP), PDF, CSV or XLSX spreadsheet, check the preview, and say what you want made. For example: “Use this reference map to make similar coloured territories on my current map”, or “Use the Postcode and Team columns to colour one territory for each team”. You can paste an existing image too. Choose Change to replace the attachment or the cross to remove it. One file can accompany a message: up to 8 MB, images up to 16 megapixels, PDFs up to 10 pages, or tables up to 500 rows, 20 columns, 5,000 cells and three sheets. CSV files are limited to 1 MB. Check Import limits before using another import tool for a larger list. If your job exceeds its supported limit, choose Contact GBMaps to discuss options. Preview PDF pages or table values before sending; formulas use saved results rather than being recalculated. The assistant can read your reference and propose supported changes, but cannot promise an exact copy of another map or add missing street geometry. If column meanings or the intended result are unclear, it asks. Review attachment-based map changes before applying them; Undo remains available. Merely attaching a file does not change the map or add it to My datasets. Read Give the assistant an image, PDF or spreadsheet for the full upload steps. This attaches your selected file, not a screenshot captured by the tool. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--attachments) ## 2. Ask in your own words Choose Map assistant beneath the Colour controls. You can try it before signing in. Your account allowance appears as soon as you sign in; there is no need to refresh the page. Type a question such as “How do I keep my logo in the corner?” and include the place, colours and result you want. On a phone, Map assistant and Speak are in the bottom bar. Press Ask, or press Enter. Shift + Enter starts a new line. You can drag the assistant by its heading to move it out of the way. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--open) ## 3. Speak your description Choose the microphone beside the question box, allow microphone access, and describe the map as though asking a colleague. Pause briefly when finished: recording stops, the words are transcribed, and your request is sent automatically. Routine map edits run with one Undo for the whole job. A question needing clarification is answered first; file-based jobs and actions requiring review still show a plan; saving, downloads, removing items and replacing all colouring are not promised to run without confirmation. You can also choose the square Stop button. Recording is limited to one minute. Cancel discards the recording and keeps your typed words. Voice input also works beside the question box on help pages. It requires a supported browser and HTTPS, or desktop localhost. Typing remains available. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--voice) ## 4. Ask while you read a guide Look for Ready when you are near the top of each help page. Type your question or describe what you would like to make, then choose Ask. The assistant knows which topic you are reading. Inside the mapping tool, this continues your existing map conversation and can offer changes for you to approve. In a separate help page, the chat opens below the heading and explains what to do; it is not connected to an editable map. Browse other topics without losing your conversation or an unsent question. Close the chat to read on, then choose Continue chat to return. Your usual daily allowance and question notification settings apply across help and the tool. The small greeting settles by itself and is turned off when your browser requests reduced motion. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--help-pages) ## 5. Show me how The answer gives a few short steps. Each Show me where button opens the relevant panel and briefly highlights the controls for that step. For example, one can point to a territory name box and the next to its colour swatch. You can use the buttons in any order or click one again to see its highlight. These buttons highlight controls or open the named options. They do not pay, invite people or change your account. If you would like the assistant to do the work, ask it to make the change and use Make these changes for typed requests. Spoken requests apply routine edits automatically with Undo. Ask a follow-up if a step is not clear. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--steps) ## 6. Let it do the work Try “Split this map into North and South, with blue for North and green for South” or “Add three 10-mile circles around YO18 7TG”. Read the short plan, then choose Make these changes. Watch the progress in the answer. You can ask for titles, colours, map details, legend notes, shapes, text, image layout, circles, markers, a small list of dots, insets, travel areas and shading from a saved dataset. Existing items can be changed by name or number. A north/south split uses the centres of the map polygons at the map’s midpoint; it is not a formal regional boundary. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--edit) ## 7. Build it up, one change at a time Keep talking in the same conversation. After creating three markers, try “Move those three to YO18 7TG, LS1 1UR and M1 1AD”, then “Make the second marker blue and call it Leeds office”. The assistant can move or restyle the same markers without adding replacements. Check that the plan says Edit existing marker when you want a tweak; Add marker means another marker will be created. You can also refine existing shapes, text, territories, circles and other supported items. Names help when there are several similar items. If it is unclear which one you mean, the assistant should ask. After a manual edit or Undo, ask again so it uses the current map. New chat clears the conversation, not your map. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--followups) ## 8. Colour the postcodes within reach Try “Colour the postcodes inside my circles and keep my existing territories” or “Use this travel analysis to replace all current postcode colouring”. The assistant can create circles or a small set of dots first and then colour their coverage in the same job. Existing travel areas are reused without another route calculation. Add keeps already-coloured areas; Replace clears their colours and key entries, so check the plan. Black circle or dot outlines are given automatic zone colours; other chosen coverage colours are kept. You can ask to change a territory colour afterwards. The selection tests polygon centres, not every individual address. Undo this job restores the whole change. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--coverage) ## 9. Ask for US state, ZIP or county changes On a loaded US map, try “Color Kansas blue and Oklahoma green” or “Make Johnson County, KS red”. Whole-state coloring assigns all its ZIPs or counties and replaces any existing colors there; read the plan first. County names can repeat, so include the state. Five-digit ZIPs must keep leading zeros, such as 02108. You can ask to show or hide state borders and names, change their colors, thicken the state outlines or enlarge the state names. The assistant can open the ZIP or county chooser, but you select and load the states yourself. Ask “Show me the state controls” for a guided explanation. ZIP and county access are separate, and neither the assistant nor the state layer changes your purchases. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--us-states) ## 10. Change your mind Choose Undo this job to put the map back as it was before the assistant started. The ordinary Undo and Redo buttons also work. If you have made other edits afterwards, use the main Undo button to step back through them first. If the map changes while a plan is being prepared, ask again so the assistant uses your latest version. Undo changes the open map; it does not delete a saved copy or refund a travel calculation. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--undo) ## 11. Your files stay under your control An attachment shares reference information with the assistant; it does not insert a picture into the artwork or create a stored dataset. You can ask it to build supported map features from a reference image, PDF or a small spreadsheet. For a data import, choose the appropriate Advanced Import or My datasets tool and check its columns and limits. Neither route promises unlimited imports; contact GBMaps if your job exceeds the supported limit. The assistant can arrange an image already on the page and use an existing dataset by name. Heat maps replace territory colours, so check the proposed job first. Save requests create a first save or a separate copy; they do not overwrite another saved map. Downloads use the normal licensed export process. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--files) ## 12. Travel areas without wasted calculations Ask for a starting place, a distance or travel time, and the number of bands. One job can create one analysis with up to five bands and uses the normal travel allowance. Changing colours, names, labels or visibility reuses the existing result. Saved travel polygons reopen without being calculated again. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--journeys) ## 13. See the pictures Choose Read guide below an answer for the full illustrated instructions. When you are already reading help, Ask about this topic brings you back to the assistant with that topic in mind. Close the assistant to continue working; your conversation can be remembered when you return. Choose New chat for a fresh conversation without clearing your map. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--guides) ## 14. Help that fits the map you have open Use my map settings shares settings such as map type and layout, the names and positions of map items, territory names, and dataset names and column headings. It does not attach your map artwork, uploaded files, sales figures or account email. Untick it for general guidance without automatic editing. Choose Chat privacy at the bottom of the assistant for details of what is shared and stored. Do not type passwords, verification codes or private customer information into a question. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--context) ## 15. Your daily messages The line below the heading shows your current daily allowance and how many messages remain. Sign in for your account allowance; visitors have a smaller trial allowance. Follow-up questions count too. Allowances reset at midnight UTC (1am UK time during British Summer Time). The assistant shows what is left. If the visitor trial is unavailable, sign in for your own allowance. AI guidance may occasionally be unavailable. The small line below the heading tells you which is available. Handbook search finds relevant guides without using an AI allowance, including when AI is not enabled or has reached its limit. The blue question marks throughout the tool always open the normal help pages. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--availability) ## 16. Your conversation and privacy New chat clears the visible conversation without changing your map. It is not a request to erase retained records. Chat privacy explains the use and retention of questions, answers, recordings and attachments, and how to ask GBMaps about your information. Include only what is needed for the map; do not send passwords, verification codes or confidential information. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--privacy) ## 17. Ask about team access, upgrades and notifications Try “I already own a district map. How do I upgrade it for five colleagues?” or “Where can I read the message on the bell?”. The assistant uses these same illustrated guides and can show the team-size selector, open upgrade options, open My team separately or highlight the notification bell. For a new team purchase, pay through the normal unlock box before naming the team or inviting people. For an existing licence, sign in as its purchaser to see the available upgrade quote. The assistant cannot inspect your private purchases or inbox, pay, send invitations or change your account for you. Open Read guide for screenshots and the complete process. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--accounts) ## 18. When a GBMaps person joins A clearly named GBMaps helper may appear with a portrait and a message in the assistant. Reply in the same question box to continue with that person. AI answers and new AI map edits pause while they help, then resume when they hand back or disconnect. This is separate from the bell’s System messages. Staff are not guaranteed to be available immediately. Use Contact GBMaps if you need account-specific help or a reply outside the chat. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--live-support) ## 19. Ask how to share or embed your map Ask “How do I share this map on a permanent link?” or “How can I embed my saved territories in our website?”. For a lasting view, save your map and use On Google beside it in My maps, then copy the viewer address. It remains available while the corresponding map-tool licence is valid. The assistant links the illustrated guide and iframe example; it cannot invent or publish your saved link. The editor’s separate Share map snapshot lasts two hours. Team access is for colleagues editing together, not a requirement for people viewing your shared map. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--sharing) ## 20. Ask about maximum imports Ask “What is the maximum number of dots I can import?” or “Can I import 1,000 labelled markers?”. Dots and shapes support up to 2,500 locations per import; marker boxes remain limited to 500 locations per import; supported Eircode maps process at most 200 full Eircodes within that total. Advanced dots and markers CSVs must be smaller than 2 MB. The assistant explains the limit for your particular tool and links Import limits. Larger jobs should use Contact GBMaps to discuss options. These figures do not promise a total number of manually placed objects or an increase with a paid unlock. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--import-limits) ## 21. Ask about editing the legend on the map Ask “How do I add names directly on the legend?” or “Can I change its heading without opening the menus?”. In Design, use Add Name below the actual legend, click an existing name or its heading to type in place, and press Enter or click away to finish. The assistant can point out those controls and the red delete cross without making a change. Deleting a territory also clears its assigned shapes. Editing buttons, input boxes and hover highlights do not appear in saved or exported artwork; the actual legend, names, colours and heading remain. START HERE and Map Titles stay in sync. Open the illustrated legend guide for screenshots. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--legend) ## 22. Tell us what helped Use the thumbs-up (Yes, helpful) or thumbs-down (Not helpful) button below an answer. We also receive a small status update when you apply an assistant job, undo it with Undo this job, or it fails. These reports help us spot awkward controls and missing features. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--ratings) ## 23. Check before an important change AI answers can make mistakes. Use the linked guide if you are unsure, save a copy before trying changes you may want to undo, and contact GBMaps for an account or payment question that needs a person to investigate. The assistant cannot see your private account records. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--check) ### What this looks like Current GBMaps controls with example maps and account details. Choose View larger to see the details. ![The current map assistant — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-assistant-1440.png?v=1792654463) [**The current map assistant**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--open) Read the conversation above the question box. The paperclip attaches a reference; the microphone starts speech input; New chat starts a fresh conversation. ![Speak, type or attach a reference on a phone — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-assistant-390.png?v=1792654463) [**Speak, type or attach a reference on a phone**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant#map-assistant--voice) The same assistant controls fit a phone. Close the panel to see more of your map. ## Related guides - [Give the assistant an image, PDF or spreadsheet](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files) - [Speak a request and let the assistant work](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-voice) - [Use the map on a phone or tablet](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=mobile-tablet) - [Recover unsaved map work](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=recovery) - [Your first coloured map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=getting-started) - [How to create a postcode sales territory map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=territory-recipe) - [Make a US sales or service territory map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-workflow) - [Color a whole state; style its border and name](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-state-levels) - [Find help, tutorials and contact GBMaps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=resources) - [Teams: buy access, invite people and share maps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=team-access) - [Upgrade your map or add team access](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=account-upgrades) - [Notifications: the bell and System messages](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=notifications) - [Share a saved map or embed it on your website](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=saved-map-sharing) - [Colour postcode areas faster with Ctrl or Command](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colouring-shortcuts) - [Place postcodes on UK and NHS maps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=uk-location-tools) - [Import limits: dots, markers, circles and data](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=import-limits)