Postcode mapping and data visualisation

Why put data in a geographical context? In short, it is a great way to get to grips with large amounts of information and add an extra dimension to your understanding.

Here are just a few ways you can harness your postcode data:

Postcode point mapping

A point set map allows you to chart features of interest in an easily understandable format and is a great way of turning table data into something more intuitive. These points could be anything you’d like mapped: your best customers, your store or sales network, or even competitors and distributors. Map points can be based on:

Full UK postcodes
A central point calculated from incomplete postcodes, postcode sectors or postcode areas
Ordnance Survey National Grid reference or coordinates
Latitude and longitude data
Centralised points calculated from administrative geography

Point sets can be colour coded and use custom icons, so multiple datasets can be displayed side by side, for example, if you wanted your stores and those of your competitors shown on the same map.

Heat or choropleth mapping

Heat mapping is a great way of charting complex data to make it immediately understandable and intuitive to the viewer. Many businesses use this form of mapping to plot key aspects of their business data such as:

Plotting density of postcode point data such as customer or competitor locations
Showing average values in an area for value data such as purchase levels
Summarising demographic trends amongst an audience
Demonstrating distance of an area from stores or reps

The output areas for your maps can be set by postcode, administrative geography (typically used by local government), or entirely bespoke areas defined by you, whilst colour coding can be a more traditional red, amber, green, or any colour scale to match your chosen theme or company brand.

Postcode territory mapping

We can create territories or catchments to guide sales or delivery networks based on:

A list of existing postcode references
Fixed distance radii from set points
Actual on-road travel distances or times from a starting point
Customer value or count within an area
Density or number of households fitting set demographic groupings

Catchments can be calculated to allow overlaps or draw definite borders between areas and our tools will distribute areas based on a criteria you set.

Postcode sector or area mapping

Sometimes it isn't what is in an area, but the area itself that needs mapping. If, for example, your community project is targeted within a particular postcode sector boundary, or your door-to-door team have fixed target areas then being able to create maps showing only that area can be valuable. We can help you with extent mapping for: