Guides
How to make a service area map
Direct answer
How to make a service area map?
Service area maps reduce back-and-forth. They also build trust—customers can see coverage at a glance.
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Shapes
Service-area workflow
1. Choose polygon or circle
2. Draw the coverage area
3. Label limitations
A radius is straight-line distance; use a custom polygon when the boundary is irregular.
No code
Visual map building
CSV + Sheets
Spreadsheet workflows
Website-ready
Share links and embeds
01
Choose a circle or polygon for the real rule
Use a circle when the business rule is an approximate straight-line distance from a center. Use a polygon when you have an operational boundary that does not follow a simple radius.
Circle: useful for an approximate service radius around a branch or depot
Polygon: useful for delivery zones, sales territories, neighborhoods, or boundaries supplied by an approved source
Multiple shapes: useful for tiered fees or different service levels when the legend explains each shape
Check the current plan's shape cap before designing many overlapping zones
02
Collect the boundary inputs first
A shape is only as reliable as the rule and source behind it. Write down what inclusion means before drawing.
For a circle, identify the verified center coordinate and radius in meters or an accurately converted unit
For a polygon, collect the approved boundary, postcode list, territory notes, or operational source used by the team
Record exclusions such as islands, toll routes, restricted areas, or locations served only by request
Name an owner and review date when service coverage changes over time
03
Example: contractor and delivery zones
A contractor might draw one 20-kilometre circle around a depot and label it Approximate standard coverage. A delivery business might draw a reviewed polygon around approved postcodes and a second shape for a surcharge zone.
Use distinct colors and labels that match a visible legend
Add a contact CTA for addresses near the edge or outside the normal rule
Explain fees, exclusions, and eligibility in normal page text rather than relying only on the shape
Test the map at several boundary addresses before publishing it
04
Understand geometry and accuracy limits
MapsMaker stores a drawn circle as a 64-step polygon approximation of the selected radius. It represents geometric distance, not a road-network or travel-time calculation.
A radius does not account for bridges, road closures, rivers, terrain, traffic, or jurisdiction rules
A hand-drawn polygon is only as accurate as its vertices and source; it is not automatically an official or legal boundary
Do not label an approximate zone as guaranteed eligibility
Website embedding requires Starter or higher even when the shape itself fits the current creation plan
05
Troubleshoot, verify, and export
Inspect the shape visually and against known inside, outside, and edge cases before using it for customer decisions.
Circle is centered incorrectly: verify the center pin or coordinate before changing the radius
Polygon cuts through an included area: add or move vertices against the approved boundary source
Overlapping tiers are confusing: use clear labels, color contrast, and explicit precedence in page text
Need the boundary outside MapsMaker: GeoJSON export includes shapes; inspect the exported geometry before downstream use
Mobile visitors cannot understand the zones: provide a visible legend and a text explanation outside the map
How it works
1
Define the coverage rule
Write the operational meaning, source, exclusions, owner, and review date.
2
Choose the geometry
Use a circle for approximate straight-line coverage or a polygon for a reviewed non-circular boundary.
3
Draw and label the shape
Use the circle or polygon tool, enter or adjust the geometry, and give every zone a clear customer-facing label.
4
Style the legend
Use distinguishable colors and explain tier precedence, fees, and exceptions in visible text.
5
Test edge cases
Check known included, excluded, and boundary addresses on desktop and mobile.
6
Publish or export
Publish a share link, use a paid website embed, or export GeoJSON and verify the resulting shape for its next use.
Frequently asked questions
Is a radius the same as driving distance or travel time?
No. It is an approximate geometric distance from the chosen center and does not model roads, traffic, barriers, or routing.
How is a MapsMaker circle stored?
The editor converts the circle to a 64-step polygon approximation based on the selected radius. Treat the displayed boundary as approximate.
Is a hand-drawn polygon an official service boundary?
Not automatically. Its accuracy depends on the source and vertices. Cite the approved operational source and avoid legal or eligibility guarantees unless separately established.
Can I show several pricing or coverage tiers?
Yes, subject to the current shape cap. Use separate labeled shapes, distinguishable colors, and visible text explaining overlaps and precedence.
Can I export the service-area shapes?
GeoJSON export includes map shapes. Inspect the exported geometry and coordinate reference assumptions before using it in another system.
Can I embed the result on any website?
MapsMaker website embedding requires Starter or higher, and the destination platform must permit an iframe. Business domain allowlisting can further restrict the allowed host.
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