GeoSelector offers two primary methods of selecting data, one way is from our unique mapping interface, and the other is the ability to select
from a list of zip codes, counties, or cities. 

The option of selecting from a list is similar to the interface found on many competing websites.  It’s quick and easy to use; however it doesn’t offer the ability to draw on the map, or to visualize your selection geographically.

So what if you want to combine the best of both selection methods? Perhaps you want to mix your hand drawn map selections, and add
 Zip codes or counties to the same order.  The good news is that you can do this now, thanks to the “Select Geography” button at the top
of the map interface, and our pre-defined selection overlay layers.  Selecting a zip code or county from the map is easy.  First, you need
to activate the appropriate layer that you wish to use.  In the picture below, I’ll activate the zip code layer.   Then click on the “Select Geography” button
at the top of the screen.  Finally, click on the zip code of your choice in the map view.  The zip code will be added to your cart, and the zip code polygon will
be displayed on the screen.

Of course you can add both drawn polygons and selected polygons to the same selection list, and a final de-duplicated count will be displayed at checkout.

  It’s important to remember that when using the “Select Geography” button, the data will be selected by the underlying data element, for example zip code or county, and not necessarily the exact polygon depicted on the screen.  GeoSelector uses approximate zip code and county polygons provided by the US Census bureau.  If you need an exact polygon data pull which matched the screen display, I’d recommend using the “Draw Selection” tool and making a sketch of your target area.

As promised in my last post, I’ll now be talking a little more about the demographic reporting features in GeoSelector. 

By far, the most prominent aspect of the demographic report is the GeoSelector Personality.  This technology distills

many complicated demographic variables into a simplified demographic summary.

Short Description: A mix of young, upper-middle-class
Couples and families living in both small towns and mid-sized
cities working in well paying white-collar and blue-collar jobs.

So you may be asking the question, which demographic

characteristics define a GeoSelector Personality?

The answer to that question can be found at http://www.geoselector.com/personalities

On this page you can interactively browse all of the personality types that GeoSelector
has to offer.  In addition, by clicking on the “Detailed Profile” button you can download
a PDF file for each personality type showing it’s exact characteristics.  Clicking the buttons
across the left and top allow you switch personality groups and personality types respectively.

It really quite amazing the breadth of the information which  goes into each personality group.
Factors such as basic demographics, survey responses, vehicle preference, and even websites

popular with that group are considered. 

Using the GeoSelector demographic reports, in combination with the Personality profiles,

plus precise geographical selection can really make a difference in your next
marketing campaign.

Now, let’s consider the possibilities of this new feature.  Any valid selection within GeoSelector can be plotted to the map.  Perhaps you want to plot consumers with a particular income level, or maybe you only want to see the location of apartment buildings.  Not a problem, just select what you would like and then press the Plot Data button.  This is the type of feature which makes GeoSelector so much more than just a data selection tool.

In addition, you can plot up to six data series simultaneously on the same map, allowing you to compare and contrast different demographic and geographic selections.

Don’t forget that you can also click the demographic report button, and see the Profile of the individuals you have selected as well!  Our GeoSelector personalities technology can show you at a glance what the selected group looks like, and this will be the focus of another post.

This month marks the first anniversary of GeoSelector's launch on the web.   First, I'd like to thank all of our loyal users who have been using GeoSelector.  Your support has made GeoSelector the success it is today. 

 In celebration of our first anniversary, I'd like to start this new blog where I will talk about changing trends in the technology industry, new changes to GeoSelector, and ways in which we can make data generally more accessible to everyone.  One of GeoSelector greatest strengths has been in bringing high-end mapping and data selection technology and placing it within the reach of the medium to small business at an affordable price.  The best news is that we're just getting started!  There are many new features in the works, which will make GeoSelector even more useful.

I'd suggest that you bookmark this page, or subscribe to our feed by clicking above.  This is the area of the website where the latest changes to GeoSelector will be announced first, and there will also be some great information on our industry in general.  Thanks for reading, you'll be hearing again from me soon!