The radius can help a business quickly examine an area within a map, whether it’s determining the distances between locations within the radius and a central point or calculating drive times between various points on a map. Users can set the radius in kilometres or miles, highlighting any points of interest within the outlined parameters. Likewise, you’ll be able to determine how many points fall within the radius when evaluating multiple datasets. Unfortunately, Google Maps does not offer a radius map tool at this time.

How to Draw a Radius on Your Google Maps?

Reasons for Using Radius Circles

Using radiuses in business have a few different benefits. First, a radius tool is helpful when it comes to new franchising opportunities. This functionality can show a company where overlap exists between their business and direct competitors. Companies can also use it to determine ideal business locations (preventing businesses from building new establishments too close to other sites).

Secondly, the radius tool can help determine drive times between multiple locations. The drive time polygon gives a detailed outline of areas that fall within a specific time. For delivery teams or sales agents looking to optimize their appointments, having an outlined, optimized route for their day keeps your business moving effortlessly.

Finally, the radius tool provides detailed insight into centralized locations for your company. If you’re looking at a specific location for your business, having accessibility is essential. You’ll be able to evaluate how many current customers are likely to access your new location and any ongoing issues it might pose for traffic or congestion.

Using a Third-Party Mapping Program

Third-party software enables Google Map functionality while still allowing segmentation of user data. The radius offers a quick analysis of segmented data, visualization of how far one map point is from others, and assessing how many points exist within distance increments. Most third-party mapping tools only allow one radius at a time, while others enable multiple circles simultaneously. Having multiple radii can expand the company’s understanding of datasets, seeing which customers fall into different geographical locations. It can also highlight any underserved areas for current clients or prospective customers moving forward.

Creating a Radius on Your Google Maps

To create a radius on your map, you’ll need to choose a mapping program that offers Google Maps integration. Open the map with your customer dataset input. If you haven’t uploaded your customer data, you can manually input the data into the program or upload it directly from your Excel file.

Select the “Create Map” option to view your map (all location data will plot automatically). Choose the Tools button from the top left-hand corner of the application and open the Radius and Proximity Tool. When creating your map, determine the radius required. Different options might include a drive time polygon or a distance radius, depending on your needs).

Enter the distance and starting location on your map. The distance is how far the radius will extend from the centre point. Finally, customize the radius to match any proximity colours or labels. Opt for a colour that’s easy to find on your map and include any labels, pins, or colour-coding that’s easy to understand.

Once you’ve set your radius, exporting data that falls within the location can be accomplished with most mapping tools.

Google Map Integration Offers Real-time Updates

When it comes to route optimization, knowing the area is crucial. Unfortunately, trying to plan your appointments without real-time information can leave your representatives stuck in traffic, dealing with construction, or finding themselves navigating through one-way streets. The Google Maps integration allows a streamlined process that includes any current traffic conditions that may influence the best approach to appointments.

For example, on paper, the downtown core looks like an accessible route from the first appointment to the second. Once in the cite, however, it’s notable that traffic crawls through the core. In these situations, avoiding highly congested areas is an easier option with Google Maps.