Import Excel: postcode territories

Import Excel is directly below START HERE in the desktop controls. Paste matching postcode and territory-name columns to colour a whole list at once; on a phone or tablet find it through Tools. Use Import with colours when you already have a colour for each row.

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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

What this looks like

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