Guides
How to import CSV locations
Direct answer
How to import CSV locations?
If you have a spreadsheet, you can import locations quickly. A little cleanup up front saves a lot of time.
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CSV import workflow
1. Upload a CSV
2. Map the columns
3. Review and import
Keep address fields consistent, map required columns, and spot-check the imported records.
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01
Prepare a supported spreadsheet
MapsMaker accepts CSV, XLSX, and XLS files. Excel imports read the first worksheet, and the first row supplies the column headers.
Every imported row needs a mapped title and either one address field or both latitude and longitude
Keep phone, email, website, video, and CTA values in separate columns
For CSV, quote any cell that contains commas; tags and amenities can use comma- or semicolon-separated values
Avoid merged cells, decorative header rows, formulas that have not been saved as values, and mixed coordinate formats
02
Know the supported and unsupported fields
The column-mapping screen supports a defined set of marker fields. Do not add unsupported headers and assume they will populate another part of the editor.
Supported: title, address, latitude, longitude, description, website, video_url, phone, email, and tags
Supported business fields: rating, review_count, review_source, price_level, amenities, cta_label, and cta_url
Not mapped: group, images or photo URL, opening hours, and social links
Groups, images, opening hours, and social links must be added through other current editor workflows after import
03
Example file for a small import
A valid starter header is: title,address,phone,website,tags,amenities,cta_label,cta_url. Use one location per row and include a complete address in the single mapped address column.
Title: Central Shop; address: 12 Market Street, Bristol BS1 1AA, United Kingdom
Tags: pickup;repairs; amenities: wheelchair_accessible;parking
CTA label: Book a repair; CTA URL: the complete HTTPS booking page
If authoritative coordinates are available, supply decimal latitude and longitude and still keep an address for display and copying
04
Import a sample before the complete file
The current importer maps columns and then starts importing; it does not show a pin-preview stage before the import begins. Use a separate small sample file when the dataset or geocoding is uncertain.
Upload the sample, map the columns, and import it
Review the completion errors and inspect the resulting marker positions in the editor
Correct the source file, remove the sample markers when appropriate, then import the reviewed complete file
Check the plan's remaining marker capacity because a large import can stop at the plan limit and report a partial result
05
Troubleshoot geocoding and row errors
When coordinates are missing or invalid, MapsMaker attempts to geocode the mapped address. Specific, consistently formatted addresses reduce ambiguity but still require review.
Missing title: populate the title cell and re-import that row
No valid coordinates or address: supply decimal latitude and longitude or a geocodable address
Wrong city or entrance: improve the complete address or use verified coordinates
Tag split unexpectedly: quote CSV cells containing commas or use semicolons inside the cell
Some rows missing after import: read the displayed error list and check the current marker-plan cap
06
CSV, Excel, Google Sheets, and workflow limits
CSV and Excel are suitable for a controlled one-time import. They do not remain connected to the source file after import.
Use CSV when a plain, portable file is easiest to review and version
Use XLSX or XLS when the approved source is an Excel workbook; only the first worksheet is imported
Use Google Sheets sync on an eligible plan when an approved spreadsheet must remain part of the update workflow
After any import, treat MapsMaker as the map record and verify changes before publication
Address and coordinate imports
Coordinates are deterministic; addresses require geocoding and therefore more review.
| Input | Advantage | Review requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Address fields | Readable source data without precomputed coordinates | Resolve ambiguous or failed geocoding before publishing |
| Latitude and longitude | Places the supplied point directly | Check order, sign, range, and source accuracy |
| Excel workbook | Reuses an existing XLS or XLSX list | Only the first worksheet is read |
How it works
1
Clean the first sheet
Use one header row, one location per row, and a mapped title plus address or latitude and longitude.
2
Create a sample file
Copy a few representative rows into a separate file because the importer has no pre-import pin preview.
3
Upload the spreadsheet
Open Import from Spreadsheet and choose a CSV, XLSX, or XLS file.
4
Map supported columns
Map the title, location, contact, tag, business, and CTA fields that the importer currently supports.
5
Import and review
Read the completion errors, inspect every sample pin, and correct the source data before the complete import.
6
Enrich and publish
Add unsupported group, image, opening-hours, and social data through current editor workflows, then test before publishing.
Frequently asked questions
Which file formats can I upload?
The current importer accepts CSV, XLSX, and XLS. For Excel files it reads the first worksheet and uses its first row as headers.
Do I need latitude and longitude?
No when each row has a specific address that can be geocoded. If you provide coordinates, map both latitude and longitude and verify that they are valid decimal values.
Can I import groups, images, or opening hours?
No. The current column mapper does not support group, image or photo URL, opening-hours, or social-link fields. Add them through other current editor workflows.
Is there a map preview before the import starts?
No. After column mapping, the current dialog begins importing. Test a separate small sample file first and inspect the resulting pins before the complete import.
What happens when the file exceeds my marker limit?
The importer accepts locations up to the current plan capacity and reports rejected rows as a partial import. Check capacity and split or upgrade deliberately before retrying.
Why did tags split into several values?
Tags and amenities are split on commas or semicolons. In CSV, quote a field that contains commas as part of its value or use semicolons for the intended separators.
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