Many individuals and organizations use Excel to store location data such as addresses, cities, zip codes, and states. First, however, it’s necessary to upload the data to a map for a visual look at this information.
Whether you need to map your company’s potential clients or you simply want to visualize where you’re sending Christmas cards, creating a map using Excel data is the simplest way to accomplish this. Furthermore, once your data is on a map, you can learn additional information about the locations.
To create a map using Excel data, you’ll need a mapping application or software. Fortunately, many programs offer this feature. The tricky part will be determining which one is right for you. Therefore, to help you find the right mapping tool, we’ve created a list of the best ones and described their primary functions and features.
Best Mapping Tools for Creating a Map from Excel Data
● BatchGeo
A mobile and desktop application, BatchGeo transforms your Excel data into a map in three steps.
In the first step, users need to copy their data and paste it into the BatchGeo program. Alternatively, if you’re starting from scratch, you can use their Spreadsheet Template to organize your data.
Once the Excel data gets copied to BatchGeo, their program will do its best to identify the nature of each column. For instance, it will attempt to determine the address, city, state, zip code, or latitude and longitude. But, of course, you can also set these options yourself to avoid the risk of misidentification.
In the last step, BatchGeo plots your addresses, creating a pin map. You can then add additional information to the pins or export the map to use on a web page.
● EasyMapMaker
A free, web-based application, EasyMapMaker is simple to use.
To start, either upload your Excel spreadsheet to the table provided by EasyMapMaker. When doing so, you need to make sure that each column has an appropriate header that tells the program what the data in each column is.
The next step is to set the options for the map you want to create. For instance, to want to enable clustering or heat maps? You can also add filters, hide certain data, upload a custom logo, use custom markers, or add a left direction panel with a radius filter.
Lastly, click on the “Make Map” button. This will tell the application to translate the location data into latitude and longitude. It is this process that enables locations to be mapped. Once the data has been translated, it will appear as pins on the map. You can then make adjustments by moving or removing pins. When you’re happy with the way the map looks, save it. You will then receive a URL for your map. Again, you can adjust this URL to make it easier to remember. Finally, you will get options for sharing the map, embedding it on a webpage, or printing the map.
● Maptitude
The GIS software of Maptitude provides the tools, maps, and demographic data necessary for analyzing your Excel data. For example, you can learn where your customers live, identify hidden opportunities, and locate where sales are highest.
Maptitude features a Create-a-Map Wizard to help you map Excel data. All you need to do is open the Wizard and follow the instructions.
Once your data has been mapped, you’ll be able to create themes, add labels and perform geographic analysis.
● Maptive
Powered by Google Maps, Maptive is cloud and web-based and is accessible from most desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. In addition, it has a number of analysis tools include heat maps, route optimization, and radius drawing.
To transform your data into a map using Maptive, you’ll first need to create an account. Following this, select the “Create a New Map” button to prompt the opening of a popup. In this popup, create a name for your map, and click “Continue.” You will then need to upload your Excel sheet. You can upload up to 100,000 locations.
Once the sheet is uploaded, click “Input Address Information.” Maptive will then create a map with all your location data displayed in the form of pins. You will then be given the option to customize your map and analyze the data using Maptive various tools. For example, you can change the look of the pins, outline an area using the drawing tool, or employ a heat map to analyze data density. As a result, you will gain a better understanding of your location information.
Maptive also lets users select how they want their map displayed. The options include:
- Embedding it on a website.
- Sharing it privately.
- Inserting it into documents.
- Printing it out.
