# More Maps: find the right boundaries

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

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

Choose a map by the boundaries you need to colour. A more detailed map has more polygons and more labels; it is not simply a larger picture of the same map.

![More Maps: find the right boundaries — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-menu-alternativeMapsMenu.png)

Current controls with example details. Select a numbered circle for its explanation. Available options depend on your map and account.

## 1. Search both mapping tools

Type a place, map type or boundary name into the search box and use the search button. It searches the map catalogue, not your saved files and not the contents of a territory spreadsheet.

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

## 2. Open a map category

Use the textual category headings to browse UK postcodes, ZIP codes, worldwide maps, European maps, counties, NHS, mixed and other boundaries. Open a category to see its map links. The catalogue can change as maps are added.

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

## 3. Choose a map link

Opens the selected map. Save your current work before leaving; the new map is a different starting point. Access can be specific to a map type, so owning one map does not automatically mean every catalogue item is unlocked.

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

## 4. Maps marked pro

These open in the newer VectorMaps tool. It has its own interface and capabilities. The instructions in this handbook describe the classic GBMaps editor, so use the help supplied in the newer tool once you switch.

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

## 5. Area, district and sector choices

Areas are broad postcode regions; districts divide them into smaller pieces; sectors provide finer detail again. Choose the level that matches the data you have and the decisions the map needs to support. Use a district or sector map when broad areas cannot represent the boundaries you need.

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

## 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)
- [Saved maps: access, renewals & new maps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=saved-access)
- [Convert an area map to finer detail](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=conversion)
- [Get a spreadsheet ready for import](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=import-checklist)
- [Color a whole state; style its border and name](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-state-levels)
- [USA county maps: choose a state](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-county-maps)