Clean Spreadsheets for Maps
Most map projects do not start on a map. They start in a spreadsheet.
Whether you are cataloging architecture landmarks, organizing a multi-city tour, or compiling local businesses for a community guide, chances are you already have a Google Sheet or Excel workbook filled with notes, addresses, and website links.
When you try to turn that spreadsheet into an interactive web map, things often break. Addresses fail to geocode, markers land in the wrong ocean, categories get mixed up, and descriptions turn into unformatted blobs of text.
Getting clean results does not require database skills. It only requires setting up your columns correctly before you hit import.
Here is the exact spreadsheet structure to use, along with the fundamental rules of location data hygiene.
The Standard Location Schema
For an interactive map, keep your spreadsheet flat with one row per location. Avoid merging cells, combining multiple locations in one row, or splitting headers across multiple rows.
Here are the nine standard columns we recommend for any mapping project:
| Column Name | Required | Example Value | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Yes | Blue Bottle Coffee Roastery | The primary display name of the place |
| Address | Yes | 1-4-8 Hirano, Koto-ku, Tokyo | Full physical street address |
| Latitude | Optional | 35.6812 | Decimal latitude for exact pin placement |
| Longitude | Optional | 139.7671 | Decimal longitude for exact pin placement |
| Category | Yes | Cafe | Primary category used for color coding and filters |
| Summary | Optional | Iconic minimalist coffee shop | Short one-sentence hook for lists and previews |
| Description | Optional | Known for pour-over coffee and open roastery design | Full narrative text or background details |
| Website | Optional | https://example.com | External URL for booking or more information |
| ImageUrl | Optional | https://images.example.com/shop.jpg | Public direct image link for cards and covers |
Copy-Paste CSV Template
You can copy the raw CSV structure below directly into a text editor or import it into Google Sheets as a starting template:
Title,Address,Latitude,Longitude,Category,Summary,Description,Website,ImageUrl
Blue Bottle Coffee,1-4-8 Hirano Koto-ku Tokyo,35.6812,139.7671,Cafe,Iconic roastery,Spacious cafe known for single origin pour-overs,https://example.com/bluebottle,https://example.com/images/1.jpg
Kiyosumi Garden,3-3-9 Kiyosumi Koto-ku Tokyo,35.6798,139.7995,Park,Traditional stroll garden,Meiji era landscape garden with scenic stepping stones,https://example.com/garden,https://example.com/images/2.jpg
Museum of Contemporary Art,4-1-1 Miyoshi Koto-ku Tokyo,35.6806,139.8087,Museum,Modern art hub,Extensive permanent collection and temporary exhibitions,https://example.com/mot,https://example.com/images/3.jpg
4 Rules of Location Data Hygiene
Following four basic rules will eliminate almost all geocoding errors.
1. Separate Latitude and Longitude into Distinct Columns
Never put coordinates into a single cell like 35.6812, 139.7671. Geocoders parse separate columns much more reliably. Always use standard decimal degrees such as 35.6812 rather than degrees, minutes, and seconds like 35°40'52"N.
2. Format Addresses from Broad to Specific
When providing addresses without coordinates, include city, state or prefecture, and country. Writing Main Street will place your pin in whichever city the geocoding service picks first. Writing 100 Main St, Austin, TX, USA guarantees correct placement.
Avoid including room numbers, building floor levels, or delivery instructions in the geocoding address column. Save specific indoor directions for the Description column.
3. Normalize Category Values
Categories drive the filtering system on your map. If one row says Coffee, another says cafe, and a third says Coffee Shop, your map will generate three separate filters for the same concept.
Pick concise category names and use them consistently across all rows. Keep categories to under seven distinct types so readers are not overwhelmed by legend items.
4. Provide Public Image URLs
Spreadsheets cannot store image files directly for web maps. If you want photos on your location cards, provide a publicly accessible HTTPS link that ends with an image extension like .jpg, .png, or .webp. Links to cloud drives that require logins will not render on published maps.
Importing into Tasmap
Once your spreadsheet is ready, export it as a CSV file. In Tasmap Studio:
- Open your project and click the Import button.
- Drag and drop your CSV file onto the canvas.
- Review the column matching prompt to confirm that Title, Address, and Coordinates map to the right fields.
- Click Confirm Import.
Tasmap automatically positions each marker, matches your categories to marker styles, and populates your cards or stories. Taking ten minutes to clean your spreadsheet beforehand turns a chaotic mapping session into a single click workflow.