Map Addresses

In order to map the locations within your CSV or Excel files you must ensure that your files come equipped with the right geometry data. To do this, simply import your file into Spotzi's platform and use the Spotzi Geocoder to fill in any missing geometry. Continue reading to learn more about this process.

Before you get started

Preparing an Excel file with addresses for geocoding is an essential step to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the geocoding process. Here are some tips to help you prepare your Excel or CSV file for geocoding:

• Data Organization: Start by organizing your data into columns with clear, descriptive headers. Common headers might include "Street", "Housenumber", "Extension", "Postal Code"/"ZIP Code", "City", "Municipality", "Province" and "Country". Make sure each row represents a unique location or address.
• Consistency: Ensure consistent data format for all addresses. For example, standardize the way street names, cities, and states are written.
• Address Parsing: If your addresses are combined in a single cell, consider separating them into individual columns for street address, housenumber, extension, city, state, ZIP code, and country. This will make it easier for geocoding services to process the data.
• Data Cleaning: Remove any special characters (%, #, @), extra spaces, or unnecessary symbols that might hinder the geocoding process. Also don't use these characters in your table headers.
• Check for Missing Data: Ensure that there are no missing or incomplete addresses. Missing information can lead to inaccurate geocoding.
• Remove Duplicates: Eliminate duplicate addresses from your Excel file. Duplicates can result in unnecessary geocoding costs and confusion in the results.
• Check for Errors: Double-check your data for any spelling errors, typos, or other inaccuracies that could impact geocoding accuracy.

Import your list of addresses

1. Go to your home screen and open the MAP ADDRESSES option to start.

2. Select the option FROM A FILE and click NEXT STEP.

3. Name your map and select the CSV or Excel file you would like to import. Click IMPORT to confirm.

4. As your file currently does not contain geometry to plot addresses on the map, the system prompts whether you would like to geocode the addresses. Click on GEOCODE to initiate this process.

5. Inform the geocoder of which dataset columns refer to a specific kind of location (e.g. a city name). Spotzi can autofill most columns for you, but you have the option of choosing other columns if necessary. If you have multiple values listed in one column (such as street names and house numbers) please select the same column for both location types. Press IMPORT when you're ready.

6. The geocoder will take a moment to analyze the file you provided and will inform you of its progress via a progress bar. Providing as much information as possible in the previous steps of this process will assist the Geocoder in performing a faster analysis. Click OPEN DASHBOARD when the geocoding and mapping of your data is complete.

7. Congratulations on successfully generating a map with pins from your list of addresses! It's now time to style your map in any way you'd like.

Map Styling Options

Map styling is an essential part of customizing your geomarketing dashboards. A well-selected range of colors makes a big difference in how a viewer might interpret the data you’re presenting. Spotzi’s predefined map styling options allow users to effortlessly create attractive and insightful dashboards. You can also stylize custom maps in order to match your brand identity — or that of a client! Our interface allows you to customize markers, icons, logos, colours, and even your own CSS. You have the following options:

• Styling individual features
• Simple Styling
• Range Styling (Choropleth)
• Category Styling (Value-Based)
• Custom Styling
• Bubble Styling
• CSS Styling

For more information about Map Styling Options, please visit our page about Map Style Editor.

Customize your dashboard

Now you have styled your map, it is time to customize your dashboard. With Spotzi you can add graphs, text, images, change the layout and many more. Everything to enhance data communication, enabling storytelling and informed decision-making. It engages users, provides context, and offers a deeper understanding of geographic data. Aesthetically pleasing and inclusive, this approach amplifies the impact of your dashboards. In the dashboard customizer you have the following editing options:

• Dashboard layout
• Dashboard sections
• Graph blocks
• Text blocks
• Image blocks
• Custom HTML blocks
• Infowindows
• Legend
• Basemap
• Labels

For more information about setting up your dashboard further, please visit our page about Dashboard Builder.