Maps
A Map is a scaled visual representation of an area. It can be drawn in several ways. The most common is a realistic aerial view of the area, but it can also be drawn topographically (that is, indicating the elevation of the terrain).
Typical Uses
Maps are useful in all fields from education to travel to research to entertainment. In business, Maps can be especially useful in sales when trying to map out different marketing territories. It provides a simple, easy to read example of an area.
Best Practices
- Determine the area. Decide which area is to be included in the map.
- Choose a map. Choose a map that fits the purpose. SmartDraw offers customizable Maps powered by Google.
- Label any company headquarters or other locations that are important to know. Also make sure that the map includes the names of countries, states, cities, or streets that are relevant to your purpose.
- Divide into areas. If you are creating a sales map, determine the various territories and use lines to divide them. Each territory may be named as well. Choose a color to represent each area and fill it in with that color. (Remember to only include a few territories on each map. Otherwise it can get overcrowded and complicated.)
- Create a key. Off to the side make a key that shows what each color or symbol represents, who is in charge of that territory, etc.
- Share. Confirm the map's accuracy with others, and then use it as planned.