More is more: data, legends and maps!

For a while now, you have been able to use our mapBuilder tool to create color-coded maps using ZIP Codes, counties and points. We love all the creative ways our users have leveraged mapBuilder! And we also knew we could make some things more flexible for you to map more of your data in the ways that you want. More data columns It used to be that you could only map one data column from your Google sheet: ZIP Code, a data column and a color. Or County, State, a data column and a color. Or latitude, longitude, a data … Read more

New: Elevate your mapping experience with GPS data

GPS route overlaid on map

Whether you’re a hiker trekking wilderness trails, a traveler documenting your journeys, or a professional analyzing geographical data, our latest update enables you to overlay your own GPS routes, waypoints, tracks and adventures on any map. By supporting the popular GPS exchange format (GPX files), we’ve made it easy for you to bring your real-world explorations into any of the map tools. To try it out, click the Draw & Measure module found in mapBuilder below each map tool, such as Section Township Range, Elevation and City Limits. Then, choose the GPX file you want to import: Click OK, and … Read more

Quick update: Map labels that don’t suck

Improved map labels

Have you tried showing map labels in the past and notice they take sooooo long to draw (especially on very detailed map tools like Section Township Range)? Us too, and we finally found a way to improve it. In fact, labels now draw nearly instantly rather than the 10-20 seconds that it would take labels to finish drawing in the past. And we think they look better now too (old on the left, new on the right):

Now you can combine 5-digit and 3-digit ZIP Codes to create your custom territories

3-digit and 5-digit Map ZIP Code expansion

Using mapBuilder, found below most map tools on randymajors.org, you can create custom territory/area maps using a spreadsheet containing ZIP Codes. Now you can include 3-digit ZIP Codes in your spreadsheet, which are simply the first 3-digits of a 5-digit ZIP Code. 3-digit ZIP Codes are a great option because there are just under 1,000 of them in the U.S. vs over 40,000 5-digit ZIP Codes. The benefit: Much smaller spreadsheets and faster maps. Here is an example of 3-digit ZIP Codes to define some territories in the New York City metro area: Now, let’s say you want to expand … Read more

Most Requested Capability Now Available: Draw & measure on the map

Study Area Map draw on the map example - cropped

Based on the survey last month completed by over 100 users, the most requested capability was to be able to draw on the map and save those drawings to your account. Well, now you can! In fact, you can draw points, lines and shapes on the map, save the drawings, and add multiple drawings onto the same map. And, as a bonus, length and area is automatically measured and displayed as you draw! Once you add drawings to your map, plus any other map layers you want to show, you can save the finished map to your account, and share … Read more

Action Required if you use the Custom Map tools on randymajors.org

Steps for Sharing Google Sheets

This message is for anyone that uses any of the following custom map tools on randymajors.org: mapBuilder: Color-Code ZIP Codes from a spreadsheet mapBuilder: Color-Code Counties from a spreadsheet mapBuilder: Add points from a spreadsheet If you do NOT use Google Sheets to create maps on this website, you can safely ignore this message. What has changed? The way in which Google Sheets spreadsheets are published to the web has changed. This website and many others used a prior version of Google’s API that is imminently being discontinued. What do I need to do? Fortunately, the action you need to … Read more

Custom Map tools now make it easier to know if an address is located within your custom area

Now when you build a custom map using the mapBuilder on the Custom Area Maps or Custom Color-Coded Map tools, you will easily be able to tell if an address is located within your custom area. For example, if you create this link to a map of a Home Care Service Area, you will see a map like the following, with the blue message at the top indicating whether or not that location is within your custom area: A message is also displayed just below the map: The information is reported based on the location of the blue pin. The … Read more

On the move? Map tools now let you update your location automatically

What is my current elevation

As before, to show your current location while using any of the map tools on this website, you can click the ◉ button in the upper right corner of the map. But now you can keep clicking the ◉ button to set it to automatically update your location on the map in 1, 5 and 10 minute intervals. Bonus: Monthly Contributors also get an option to update every 0.2 minutes (12 seconds). This might be useful when you are: on the road and need to know what jurisdiction you are in (e.g. city, township, county and state) need to know … Read more

Create custom areas and add your own points to any map with NEW mapBuilder

mapBuilder example adding custom areas and custom points to the same map

mapBuilder, found below the map on most map tool pages on randymajors.org, lets you add custom areas and custom points to any map! There are three main sections to mapBuilder: Custom Areas, Custom Points and Map Title/Display Options Within each section, read the description and click the Show Me How button or sample map links to get a feel for what’s possible. Here’s a screenshot of the Create Custom Areas section, where you can overlay custom areas based on a list of ZIP Codes (5-digit or 3-digit), or you can color-code ZIP Codes or Counties from a live-linked spreadsheet: For … Read more

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