How to Use Maptive to Create a Map with Multiple Locations

Maptive is a software known for providing users with custom mapping functionality. The program first arose to solve one of the longest-standing challenges facing Google Maps users today. Despite the world recognizing Google Maps for its ability to provide users with an online mapping tool, it is not without limitations. Namely, there is no inherent functionality for adding more than 10 locations at a time. This limit has proven to be much too low for business purposes, especially when considering their vast networks of customers and suppliers.

For first-time users, the ability to map multiple locations is simple, with an explanation involving just a few steps.

Create a Maptive Account

To begin using the Maptive program, users must first create an account. Fortunately, the account setup process is short, requiring little more information than an email. Maptive comes with a free trial that map creators can use to build their first maps, even without entering a credit card. However, for extended use, the addition of a payment method will also be prompted.

Input Relevant Locations into a Spreadsheet

The second step is collecting the addresses of all the locations that should be on the map. Typically, Maptive promotes a spreadsheet table as the most efficient way to create this list. Users can create their list as a table with multiple columns for improved organization, one with addresses and another with the description. If the number of addresses is significant, users may choose to add additional columns to this spreadsheet to provide additional categories or filter locations.

It is worth noting that with Maptive, users do not need to add a full address for each of their locations. Instead, they can successfully map their solution based on the name of the street, zip code, city or otherwise. These partial details are enough for the software to go ahead and place the pin.

Upload Spreadsheet Data To Maptive

Upon address collection, users can copy-paste or upload the combined list into their Maptive account. After logging in, users can select “Create My First Map.” Here, they will fill in a name and an optional map description and select “Continue.”

Selecting “Continue” will open a second section that will enable users to upload data about addresses. If users decide to go with the Google Sheets method listed in the previous step, they can select the upload button. The upload button will open a window for users to choose the sheet included directly in their Google Drive.

Load Data and Review

After uploading the address data, users can select “Map Now.” Making this selection will prompt Maptive to generate all the locations from your list. Users are encouraged to check their inputs to ensure the data reflects the visual. Users may also take advantage of the flexible map sharing feature if the map is a collaborative project, which provides users with a custom link or direct email feature to encourage multiple user feedback.

Personalize Your Creation

With all the approvals in place, users may also choose to take advantage of the extensive customization options, Maptive offers for graphics, markers, and coloring. These features help personalize each user’s custom map or make data easier to digest, such as stacking and unstacking, marker clustering, or highlighting elements present on the map such as a highway, waterway, landscape, or region. For teams with their own custom brand assets, Maptive also enables users to upload a marker (or markers) to personalize their output.

Export Final Map Version

Once you are happy with the Maptive output, users can export their map as an image or PDF file, including the menus or a legend. Alternatively, users may also export their data as a spreadsheet file, becoming a reference point for future map creation.

You May Also Like