# Try a finer map: areas, districts and sectors

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

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-detail
Updated: 2026-11-12

Use the Detail control above the map for the next level of postcode detail. It is a suggestion to explore another map, not a purchase or a change to the Colour setting.

![Detail card showing Districts to Sectors and Try sectors before buying](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/layout-detail-20261112.png)

Visitors can try the next map. When signed in, the link says Upgrade to sectors; opening it does not complete a payment.

## 1. Open Detail

Click Detail above the map. Postcode areas can suggest districts; districts can suggest sectors. The compact card shows the current level and the next one, with a short explanation of the extra detail.

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

## 2. Try before buying

Visitors see Try districts before buying or Try sectors before buying. This opens the suggested map so you can explore it. Save work you want to keep before changing maps; opening another boundary product is not an automatic conversion of the map you coloured.

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

## 3. Upgrade when signed in

When signed in, the link says Upgrade to districts or Upgrade to sectors. The link opens the relevant map/upgrade route; it does not charge you. For an existing paid licence use Upgrade access to review available choices, the actual amount payable and renewal date. Use existing access instead of buying again where you already own the product.

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

## 4. Use the current quote

Prices and available access depend on the map and licence. Read the current quote before paying. A link labelled Upgrade is not a completed purchase or a promise of a discount. Any offer must be shown in the current purchase quote.

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

## 5. On a phone or tablet

Tap the current map name in the compact top bar to open the same recommendation. Map Types → opens the wider catalogue. Close the card to return to your work.

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

## Related guides

- [Map Types: choose another map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=more)
- [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)
- [Convert an area map to finer detail](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=conversion)
- [Upgrade your map or add team access](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=account-upgrades)
- [Buy, unlock or renew a map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=payments)