10 Ways to Create the Perfect Radius Circle Map

A radius map adds another layer of understanding to location data, But there's a lot more you can do with this data beyond a simple circle. Here's a list of 10 map radius tools that will help you create and explore a local area. 

‍Map radius from a start location

• Use it to: Pick a start point and maximum radius using distance e.g. a 30 mile radius circle map
• Great for: Quickly estimating which locations are easy to reach

Image from Radius Map App

Try radius mapping or Code a radius map

Create a travel time radius (an isochrone)

Image from TravelTime Search API - check out drive time maps here

• Use it to: Pick a start point, transport mode and maximum travel time area
• Great for: Accurately calculating and targeting a reachable area

Try isochrone maps  or code a radius

Export a radius as a KML file

Image from KML4Earth

• Use it to: Create a circle on any map file and export to a KML file
• Great for: Great for visualising a distance-based catchment area alongside other data 

Try KML earth

Export postcodes from a travel time area

• Use it to: Draw a travel time area and get all postcodes that fall in this area
• Great for: Creating targeted direct marketing data lists for your catchment area

Import location points onto a map 

Image by BatchGeo

• Use it to: Add points of interest on a map to see where to target
• Great for: Defining a specific target area, use this area to make a polygon (point below) 

Try batch geo 

Draw a polygon on a map

Image by GoogleMy Maps 

• Use it to: Create a map layer outlining a specific geographic area
• Great for: Visualising a specific location data set such as identify a high crime area

Make a polygon 

Split areas by postcode area

Image by XYZ Maps

• Use it to: Visualise which locations fall within a postcode area or district
• Great for: Visualising which postcode areas your customers fall within

Make venn diagram radius maps 

Image from TravelTime Search API

• Use it to: Create two shapes and filter the overlapping area
• Great for: Analysing more than one geo data layer

Make a venn diagram

Map radius and stay on brand

Image by Mapbox & National Geographic

• Use it to: Import a KML or GeoJSON radius map on your own styled map
• Great for: Visualising data true to your brand’s style and map purpose

Create a radius on a map within GIS software

Image from ArcGIS

• Use it to: provide more in-depth location data analysis
• Great for: Storing and analysing large and complex data sets

Try ArcGIS