Advanced maps

(
2023
)
Company
Placer.ai
Role
Product Designer
The project

A unified platform designed to streamline the creation of data-rich maps for diverse use cases. By combining robust GIS capabilities with intuitive design tools, the platform empowers users to seamlessly build, customize, and layer data for map creation, enhancing impactful storytelling.

Background

Creating data-rich maps for property analysis, marketing strategies, business presentations, and other use cases can be a complex, resource-intensive process. Teams often rely on multiple platforms to manage data overlays, customize layers, and export maps for further refinement in design tools. This fragmented approach requires significant coordination, time, and effort, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

To address these challenges, we envisioned a unified platform—a one-stop solution that integrates robust GIS capabilities with intuitive design tools. We aimed to simplify the process of turning complex data into visually compelling narratives.

No items found.

Solution

Advanced Maps merges advanced mapping functionality with thoughtful design to create an intuitive experience, allowing both non-professionals and experts to generate insights and visualize data with ease. The focus was on delivering a design-centric platform that supports collaboration and efficient map creation.

Pre-built templates

Users can quickly create maps using a range of ready-to-use templates tailored to various business needs, streamlining map creation and saving time.

Custom map design

For more flexibility, users can build maps from scratch, incorporating multiple data layers to enhance the insights they provide.

Data layering, multi-location visualization, and customization

Easily add layers such as trade areas, demographics, and traffic volumes to enrich maps with context. Visualize multiple locations, tenants, or chains, and adjust styles by customizing colors, fonts, and sizes to align with branding.

Seamless Integration & Export

Save and export map designs directly into pitch decks, reports, brochures, and more, ensuring a smooth workflow.

Takeaways

Designing Advanced Maps focused on transforming complex data into a simple, engaging experience. Leveraging Placer's rich data resources, we made these layers accessible and actionable within the mapping tool. This allowed users to seamlessly visualize and leverage insights without being overwhelmed by complexity.

To empower users, we prioritized customization within set boundaries. By offering curated templates and guided customization, users could personalize their maps while ensuring results remained polished and effective. This balance provided creative freedom while maintaining visual consistency, aligning outputs with their brand needs.

At its core, Advanced Maps combines powerful GIS capabilities with intuitive design tools, creating a one-stop solution for users of all expertise levels. Whether for property analysis, strategic presentations, or marketing visuals, the platform simplifies workflows and lets users focus on impactful storytelling.

The key takeaway was finding the sweet spot between flexibility and structure. By blending robust data visualization tools with thoughtful design principles, we enabled users to transform raw data into clear, actionable insights while maintaining a cohesive visual experience.