To auto-create territories, you’ll need a dataset column that defines which locations get grouped together as a territory. Essentially, we’ll create a new column that clusters your pins. This column will then allow us to generate your custom territory boundaries.

(If your dataset already has a column assigning each location to a specific territory, you can skip ahead to the next section).

To create this column, let’s quickly run custom calculations with Mapline Data.

With your map open, click the pin layer you’d like to use to create your territories. Select VIEW DATA, then click the MAPLINE DATA icon in the top menu bar of your dataset. Next, name your new dataset column CONFIGURE BASED ON YTD SALES.

Next, choose THIS DATASET as the source data, then select ASSIGN A GROUP TO EACH ROW IN THIS DATASET. This option creates groups based on criteria you define–in this example, YTD sales.

From here, you have two different options for how to create groups:

This option lets you define a custom number of groups you’d like to create. For example, assign one group per sales rep, or the same number of groups as your home offices.

This is your secret weapon to equalizing workloads, leveraging historical sales data to inform territory creation, and spending more time with customers and less time on the road.

First, choose the criteria to group pins together:

• MINIMIZE DISTANCE TO GROUP CENTER POINTS: Ensure each location is as close as possible to its group’s central point, minimizing travel distance
• EQUALIZE THE NUMBER OF PINS IN EACH GROUP: Ensure each group contains the same number of locations
• EQUALIZE THE TOTAL COLUMN VALUE OF EACH GROUP: Ensure each group has the same total value, such as YTD sales

Then, enter the number of groups you want to generate and apply any necessary filter logic.

Alternatively, you can manually set the values that define your pin groupings.

For instance, if you want each pin group to generate at least $50,000 in annual sales, select your YTD sales column from the drop-down menu, then type 50,000 as the total group value.

Apply any filters you need, then click OK.

There’s no more powerful way to create revenue-balanced sales territories. And there’s so much more you can do here. Consider:

• Focusing on high-value client distribution
• Optimizing territories for current sales campaigns
• Aligning your territories with market development initiatives
• Creating territories based on revenue potential to give everyone a fair chance of meeting their targets

Ready to add custom territory boundaries to your map? Let’s do it! From your map, click the ADD button in the top menu, hover over TERRITORIES, and select USING MAP LAYER PINS.

This feature lets you create territories from a column in your dataset, enabling data-driven boundaries that skyrocket your ROI.

Just select the dataset you used in the previous step.

Now, it’s time for the magic! You have two powerful options for creating your territory boundaries:

Want to create a territory for each of your sales reps? This option lets you draw territories around each rep’s assigned locations. There’s no better way to ensure each rep has a manageable area to cover, reducing travel time and increasing efficiency.

Apply any filter criteria you need, like only assigning qualified leads or territories with active customers, to ensure your team is always focused on the most promising opportunities.

Next, define your outer boundary:

• PROVIDE AN OUTER BOUNDARY BUFFER DISTANCE: Specify a buffer distance around the edge of each territory. This creates a clear, defined perimeter for each territory, helping to avoid overlap and confusion.
• SELECT A TERRITORY TO USE AS THE OUTER BOUNDARY: Snap your boundaries to existing government lines, like county, zip code, or state, ensuring uniform maps without overlap. This makes your territories easy to understand and manage, aligning them with recognizable geographical boundaries.

Alternatively, generate territories based on a column value, such as region number, average order value, or the distance to the nearest store. This approach helps balance workload and optimize coverage by grouping similar locations together.

Under GROUP PINS BY, click the blue + sign and select the dataset column you’d like to use to create your territory boundaries.

Apply any necessary filter criteria– such as only including stores within a 50-mile radius– to ensure your territories are precisely tailored to your strategic goals. Determine your outer boundary requirements, and you’re all set!

Congratulations! You’ve created a custom territory map with boundaries directly informed by your data. This map will dramatically enhance your sales operations and help you hone in on the insights you need.

In the ever-changing landscape of sales, adaptability is key. That’s why we’ve streamlined the process of editing, reshaping, or merging territories, giving you the flexibility to adjust as your business needs evolve.

Plus, with the ability to create copies before merging territories, you can confidently experiment with different configurations and find the best fit for your needs.