Create Beautiful Maps from Spreadsheets (Google Sheets or Excel)

Want to turn your spreadsheet into an eye-catching map? You're in the right place.

This guide shows you how to build maps from Google Sheets or Excel. No coding. No fuss. Just a browser.

Why turn spreadsheet data into maps?

Maps make data easy to understand.

You can spot trends. See clusters. Compare regions.

If you use Google Sheets or Excel to track locations, prices, sales, or any data by place — you can map it.

It adds visual power to rows and columns.

What you’ll need

• A spreadsheet with place data
  • Address, city, zip code, or latitude/longitude
  • Optional details like name or values
• A browser
• A browser-based mapping tool (we’ll use Atlas)

That’s it.

Step 1: Prepare your spreadsheet

Make sure your data is clean.

Organize columns

Label columns. For example:

or:

Check for typos

Typos in addresses cause missing or misplaced pins on the map.

Use consistent formats

Keep city names consistent. Same for values and numbers.

Step 2: Set up Atlas

Atlas is a browser-based GIS tool.

No signup. No install.

Just open: app.atlas.co and signup.

Work faster with spatial data

Easily import data, automate analysis and build spatial apps for the web, all within a single software.

Create a free user

Step 3: Import your spreadsheet

In Atlas:

1. Click on Add layer
2. Import directly from Google Sheet or upload as CSV

If you import it from Google Sheet you can sync data updates.

If your data contains addresses, Atlas will automatically geocode the spreadsheet to find the locations.

Step 4: Style your map points

Once the data is on the map, style them.

You can adjust:

• Colors: Use different colors by category or value
• Sizes: Scale points based on numbers (like sales)
• Icons: Choose labels, markers, or custom icons

This makes the map clearer and more engaging.

Step 5: Add pop-ups

Pop-ups show data when you click a point.

You might show:

• Name
• Sales number
• Address

To add pop-ups:

1. Open the Pop-up settings in the Layers panel
2. Choose which columns to show
3. Customize text, font, and formatting

Now users can explore directly on the map.

Step 6: Filter and group data

Atlas lets you add widgets to filter and group.

For example:

• Show only stores with sales over 20,000
• Group points by city
• Color by category (like “Coffee vs. Retail”)

To set filters:

1. Go to Builder mode and drag and drop a Filter to the canvas
2. Choose a column and set a rule (e.g. Sales ≥ 20000)
3. The map updates instantly

Groups and filters help highlight important insights.

Step 7: Adjust basemap and context

Basemaps give context.

Atlas offers various basemaps:

• Satellite
• Light or dark themes

Choose a style that fits your data.

A satellite basemap may work for outdoor sites.

Step 8: Share or embed your map

Done? Share your map easily.

Options include:

• Share a public link
• Password protect it
• Embed it in a website or blog

Atlas gives you embed code (iframe). Paste it anywhere.

Extra Tips

Auto-refresh with Sheets

If your data updates often:

• Use Google Sheets
• Set Atlas to auto-refresh every few minutes

Your map stays up to date without extra work.

Use size and color together

Combine size (e.g., number of visits) and color (e.g., categories) for richer visuals.

Add legends

Legends help explain colors and sizes.
They improve readability.

Example walkthrough

Imagine a delivery company tracking drop‑off points in Norway.

1. Calculate average delivery time by zip code in Excel.
2. Add columns: Zip, AvgTime, Deliveries.
3. Upload to Atlas.
4. Set zip codes as location field.
5. Style:
   • Color pins by AvgTime
   • Scale size by number of deliveries
6. Add pop‑ups with zip, time, count.
7. Filter to show points over 100 deliveries.
8. Choose a light basemap.
9. Share map on internal dashboard.

Now leadership can see high‑volume, slow zip codes.
They use that insight to route resources better.

What you can do next

After your first map, you can:

• Import multiple sheets (e.g. sales and population)
• Add lines to show routes or paths
• Draw shapes (like regions or delivery zones)
• Export your map as an image or vector file

Mapping from spreadsheets is powerful.

You turn rows into visuals.
Hidden patterns become clear.

Give it a try with Atlas.
It takes minutes—and can spark new insights.

Map on.