Creating Custom Areas Using a Map

Create custom areas through ENVISION's map-centric Trade Area creation workflow. Users can create areas by drawing directly on the map, using distances, drivetimes, or the proportion of a customer file around a location, or using standard geographies. 

Note, there are other ways to create areas in ENVISION outside of using a map. These include creating areas around locations opens in new window and creating areas using standard geographies opens in new window.

Use the WalkMe Through below for an on-screen, step-by-step guide for the functionality within ENVISION, or refer to the steps below in this article.

WalkMe Through

There are six sections to this article:

1. Locating the Mapping Interface
2. Using the Draw Option to Create Areas
3. Using the Distance Option to Create Areas
   • Using Create Point(s) feature
   • Using Location Files feature
4. Using the Drivetime Option to Create Areas
   • Using Create Point(s) feature
   • Using Location Files feature
5. Using the Customer-Based Option to Create Areas
   • Using Create Point(s) feature
   • Using Location Files feature
6. Using the Geography Option to Create Areas

Inputs Required:

• A location of interest.
• If choosing locations from a location file for creating a distance, drivetime, or customer-based area, then an imported location file opens in new window is required.
• If creating a customer-based area, an imported customer file opens in new window is required.

Locating the Mapping Interface

1. There are two ways to access the map-centric area creation interface in ENVISION. One is through the left side panel menu, click My Data > Areas.
   
   
2. Click Create Area(s) - Map. 
   
   
3. The other is found within the Mapping interface when on the area selection page. Click the Create New Area(s) button to launch the area creation workflow.
   
   

Using the Draw Option to Create Areas

The draw option allows you to draw an area based on a custom polygon, rectangle, or circle around one or multiple areas of interest.

1. Begin by clicking the Draw option.
   
   
2. Type an address or place in the search bar and select a location from the list. Or, in the map, navigate to your area of interest using your mouse. Then select a drawing tool from the toolbar.
   
   
   
   The toolbar from left to right:
   • Select feature allows you to select a drawn area on the map and make changes to its dimensions, move in any direction, rotate, or delete. Note, make all adjustments to your area(s) before saving, once the area is saved, it can no longer be edited.
   • Select by rectangle allows you to select multiple drawn areas on the map by encompassing them using a rectangle.
   • Draw a polygon is a drawing tool that allows you to create custom polygons on the map. Click on the map to input your first node, each click of the mouse on the map creates a new node, double-click on the last node to complete the area.
   • Draw a rectangle is a drawing tool that allows you to create areas in a rectangular shape.
   • Draw a circle is a drawing tool that allows you to create areas in a circular shape.
   • Undo / Redo changes made to a drawn area. Note, the options to undo or redo edits to an area are available only when the area is selected.
   • Sketch Settings controls the accuracy of the pointer when creating or modifying features of drawn areas. The settings allow the pointer to snap to specific geometry such as to vertices or to midpoints of lines.
3. Once one or more areas have been created, add a Name, Description, and Tags. Note, new areas can be made available for use in all your workspaces by checking Available in all Workspaces.
   
   Click Save Area(s).
   
   
4. Your new area(s) will now be available for use in reporting, or view a list of all your areas by navigating to My Data > Areas in the left side panel menu.

Using the Distance Option to Create Areas

The distance tool allows you to create an area based on a linear or drive distance from a location.

Using Create Point(s) feature to create areas:

1. Begin by clicking the Distance option.
   
   
2. Geocode an address by filling in all relevant details in the data fields then click Geocode. To geocode multiple addresses, use the Clear Address feature, then repeat the process. Continue this process until all addresses are geocoded. Geocoded addresses will be shown visually on the map as red pins, , and a count of locations will be noted on the left under the Geocode button.
   
   If an address is unknown, a point can be manually located on the map. Move the map to the location of interest using your mouse and click the location to drop a red pin.
   
   When a red pin is plotted on the map, the Edit Point(s) feature will appear.
   
   
3. The Edit Point(s) feature allows you to change the Name, Description, and Tags of each point. Points can be deleted by clicking the trash can icon.
   
   
   
   Note: Create and edit all locations of interest before clicking Next. It is not possible to create or edit locations once you proceed to the next step.
4. Once all points are geocoded and defined, click Next.
5. On the Area(s) page set the Unit, Type, and Size distance parameters to use to define your areas.
   • Unit: Choose between kilometers or miles.
   • Type: Choose between linear distance or drive distance.
     • Linear Distance: Defines the radius of a circle created around the location.
     • Drive Distance: Defines the distance traveled by all roads from the location.
   • Size: Set the size definitions around the locations. To use multiple sizes, use a comma to separate values (e.g 1, 3, 5).
   
6. Click Create Area(s). The wait time for areas will vary depending on the number of locations selected and the size definitions used.
7. Set or edit the Name, Description, and Tags for each area created. Note, new areas can be made available for use in all your workspaces by checking Available in all Workspaces.
   
   Click Save Area(s).
   
   
8. Your new area(s) will now be available for use in reporting, or view a list of all your areas by navigating to My Data > Areas in the left side panel menu.

Using the Location Files feature to create areas:

1. Begin by clicking the Distance option.
   
   
2. Switch to the Location Files tab.
   
   
3. Select the location file of interest from the list by checking the box. The locations will be plotted on the map. Note, the location file must be imported into ENVISION beforehand. Follow the Importing Locations opens in new window Tutorial for instructions on how to import your location file.
   
   Then choose the Zoom to Extent option to view all locations on the map or the Table Select option to review a list of all locations in a tabular format.
   
   
4. There are two ways to select locations on the map: Boundary Select or Click Select. Boundary Select allows you to capture multiple locations within a rectangle that is drawn on the map. Click Select allows you to click on individual locations on the map.  Use the Clear Selection function to undo any selections. Selected locations will be shown visually on the map as a red pin, .
   
   
5. When your locations of interest have been selected, click Next.
6. On the Area(s) page set the Unit, Type, and Size distance parameters to use to define your areas.
   • Unit: Choose between kilometers or miles.
   • Type: Choose between linear distance or drive distance.
     • Linear Distance: Defines the radius of a circle created around the location.
     • Drive Distance: Defines the distance traveled by all roads from the location.
   • Size: Set the size definitions around the locations. To use multiple sizes, use a comma to separate values (e.g 1, 3, 5).
   
7. Click Create Area(s).
   
   Note: The processing time for areas will vary depending on the number of locations selected and the number of size definitions used.
8. Set or edit the Name, Description, and Tags for each area created. Note, new areas can be made available for use in all your workspaces by checking Available in all Workspaces.
   
   Click Save Area(s).
   
   
9. Your new area(s) will now be available for use in reporting, or view a list of all your areas by navigating to My Data > Areas in the left side panel menu.

Using the Drivetime Option to Create Areas

The drivetime option allows you to calculate the area that can be reached within a specified travel time along a street network based on driving or walking.

Using the Create Point(s) feature to create areas:

1. Begin by clicking the Drivetime option.
   
   
2. Geocode an address by filling in all relevant details in the data fields then click Geocode. To geocode multiple addresses, use the Clear Address feature, then repeat the process. Continue this process until all addresses are geocoded. Geocoded addresses will be shown visually on the map as red pins, , and a count of locations will be noted on the left under the Geocode button.
   
   If an address is unknown, a point can be manually located on the map. Move the map to the location of interest using your mouse and click the location to drop a red pin.
   
   When a red pin is plotted on the map, the Edit Point(s) feature will appear.
   
   
3. The Edit Point(s) feature allows you to change the Name, Description, and Tags of each point. Points can be deleted by clicking the trash can icon.
   
   
   
   Note: Create and edit all locations of interest before clicking Next. It is not possible to create or edit locations once you proceed to the next step.
4. Once all points are geocoded and defined, click Next.
   
   
5. On the Area(s) page set the Type, and Minutes parameters to use to define your areas.
   • Type: Choose from four types.
     • Drivetime: Area based on the time traveled during an average amount of traffic.
     • Drivetime - Heavy Traffic: Area-based on time traveled during heavy volume of traffic, such as during the morning and afternoon commuter periods.
     • Drivetime - Night: Area-based on time traveled during low volume of traffic, such as during the night.
     • Walking: Area-based on time traveled walking at average speed.
   • Minutes: Adjust the number of time bands around the geocoded point(s). For including multiple time bands, ensure a comma is placed after each band (e.g 5, 10, 15).
   
   
   Click Create Area(s).
   
   Note: The processing time for areas will vary depending on the number of locations selected and the number of size definitions used.
6. Set or edit the Name, Description, and Tags for each area created. Note, new areas can be made available for use in all your workspaces by checking Available in all Workspaces.
   
   Click Save Area(s).
   
   
7. Your new area(s) will now be available for use in reporting, or view a list of all your areas by navigating to My Data > Areas in the left side panel menu.

Using Location Files feature to create areas:

1. Begin by clicking the Drivetime option.
   
   
2. Switch to the Location Files tab.
   
   
3. Select the location file of interest from the list by checking the box. The locations will be plotted on the map. Note, the location file must be imported into ENVISION beforehand. Follow the Importing Locations opens in new window Tutorial for instructions on how to import your location file.
   
   
4. There are two ways to select locations on the map: Boundary Select or Click Select. Boundary Select allows you to capture multiple locations within a rectangle that is drawn on the map. Click Select allows you to click on individual locations on the map. Use the Clear Selection function to undo any selections. Selected locations will be shown visually on the map as a red pin, .
   
   
5. When your locations of interest have been selected, click Next.
6. On the Area(s) page set the Type, and Minutes parameters to use to define your areas.
   • Type: Choose from four types.
     • Drivetime: Area based on the time traveled during an average amount of traffic.
     • Drivetime - Heavy Traffic: Area-based on time traveled during heavy volume of traffic, such as during the morning and afternoon commuter periods.
     • Drivetime - Night: Area-based on time traveled during low volume of traffic, such as during the night.
     • Walking: Area-based on time traveled walking at average speed.
   • Minutes: Adjust the number of time bands around the geocoded point(s). For including multiple time bands, ensure a comma is placed after each band (e.g 5, 10, 15).
   
   
   Click Create Area(s).
   
   Note: The processing time for areas will vary depending on the number of locations selected and the number of size definitions used.
7. Set or edit the Name, Description, and Tags for each area created. Note, new areas can be made available for use in all your workspaces by checking Available in all Workspaces.
   
   Click Save Area(s).
   
   
8. Your new area(s) will now be available for use in reporting, or view a list of all your areas by navigating to My Data > Areas in the left side panel menu.

Using the Customer Based Option to Create Areas

Create areas that capture the closest defined proportion of your customers or dollars in your customer file. For example, a retail trade area that is defined by the nearest 65% of their customer database to the store location.

Using Location Files feature to create areas:

1. Begin by clicking the Customer Based option.
   
   
2. Select the location file of interest from the list by checking the box. The locations will be plotted on the map. Note, the location file must be imported into ENVISION beforehand. Follow the Importing Locations opens in new window Tutorial for instructions on how to import your location file.
   
   Then choose the Zoom to Extent option to view all locations on the map or the Table Select option to review a list of all locations in a tabular format.
   
   
3. There are two ways to select locations on the map: Boundary Select or Click Select. Boundary Select allows you to capture multiple locations within a rectangle that is drawn on the map. Click Select allows you to click on individual locations on the map.  Use the Clear Selection function to undo any selections. Selected locations will be shown visually on the map as a red pin, .
   
   
4. When your locations of interest have been selected, click Next.
5. Click on your customer file name from the list. Note, your customer file must be imported into ENVISION beforehand. Follow the Importing Customers opens in new window Tutorial for instructions on how to do this.
6. Select Record Count to capture a proportion of customers, or the consumption field to capture a proportion of dollars spent at each location. Click on Preview Points to see the customer file data plotted on the map.
   
   
7. Input a Capture Rate (% of Customers) then click Create Areas.
8. Set or edit the Name, Description, and Tags for each area created. Note, new areas can be made available for use in all your workspaces by checking Available in all Workspaces.
   
   Click Save Area(s).
   
   
9. Your new area(s) will now be available for use in reporting, or view a list of all your areas by navigating to My Data > Areas in the left side panel menu.

Using Create Point(s) feature to create areas:

1. Begin by clicking the Customer Based option.
   
   
2. Switch over to the Create Point(s) tab.
   
   
3. Geocode an address by filling in all relevant details in the data fields then click Geocode. To geocode multiple addresses, use the Clear Address feature, then repeat the process. Continue this process until all addresses are geocoded. Geocoded addresses will be shown visually on the map as red pins, , and a count of locations will be noted on the left under the Geocode button.
   
   If an address is unknown, a point can be manually located on the map. Move the map to the location of interest using your mouse and click the location to drop a red pin.
   
   When a red pin is plotted on the map, the Edit Point(s) feature will appear.
   
   
4. The Edit Point(s) feature allows you to change the Name, Description, and Tags of each point. Points can be deleted by clicking the trash can icon.
   
   
   
   Note: Create and edit all locations of interest before clicking Next. It is not possible to create or edit locations once you proceed to the next step.
5. Once all points are geocoded and defined, click Next.
   
   
6. Click on your customer file name from the list. Note, your customer file must be imported into ENVISION beforehand. Follow the Importing Customers opens in new window Tutorial for instructions on how to do this.
   
   Select Record Count to capture a proportion of customers, or the consumption field to capture a proportion of dollars spent at each location. Click on Preview Points to see the customer file data plotted on the map.
   
   
7. Input a Capture Rate (% of Customers) then click Create Areas.
8. Set or edit the Name, Description, and Tags for each area created. Note, new areas can be made available for use in all your workspaces by checking Available in all Workspaces.
   
   Click Save Area(s).
   
   
9. Your new area(s) will now be available for use in reporting, or view a list of all your areas by navigating to My Data > Areas in the left side panel menu.

Using the Geography Option to Create Areas

Create areas based on standard levels of geography. For dashboards that require a benchmark, these areas are often standard geographies such as Canada, provinces, or census metropolitan areas.

1. Begin by clicking the Geography option.
   
   
2. Select a level of geography from the list below, or type a place name or standard geography code in the Search window for options.
   
   Note, for a list of standard geography codes, review the Standard Geography Codes and Names opens in new window article.
   
   Click Next.
   
   
3. Note: If you have located your area of interest in the previous step by using the name of the area, or standard geography code, then click Next here.
   
   If you selected a level of geography in the previous step, there are two ways to capture standard geographies on the map: Boundary Select or Click Select. Boundary Select allows you to capture multiple geographies within a rectangle that is drawn on the map. Note, as long as any portion of a geography touches the drawn rectangle, it will be selected. Click Select allows you to click on individual geographies on the map.  Use the Clear Selection function to undo any selections. Selected geographies will be highlighted as blue on the map and listed in the side panel.
   
   
4. Once your areas of interest have been selected, click Next.
5. Add a Name, Description, and Tags to the areas. Check the Aggregate Areas box to combine the selected geographies into a single area (e.g census divisions that make up the Greater Toronto Area). Note, new areas can be made available for use in all your workspaces by checking Available in all Workspaces.
   
   Click Save Area(s). 
   
   
6. Your new area(s) will now be available for use in reporting, or view a list of all your areas by navigating to My Data > Areas in the left side panel menu.