If you are interested in creating an address book based upon the location of your contacts, you can build a geographical query. It produces a mapped view according to the zipcodes in any address books or segments you select (this function can only be used for US or UK-based contacts). This then allows you to easily select contacts and segment further using the map that is generated.

Generating your map

Under Contacts, select the Geographical queries tab.

Firstly you will need to select the data field that contains your contacts' zipcode from the drop list. You also need to select one of three options - view all of your contacts, view just the contacts in your test address book, or view a selection of specific address books and/or segments. For this purpose, you can tab between a list of your address books and segments.

When you have made your selection of address books and/or segments, click Continue to generate your map.

The heat map effect helps to indicate the concentration levels of where your contacts are located.

Manipulating your map view

In addition to standard mouse controls, the far left hand side of the map features a slider bar so you can zoom in and out, plus a directional controller so you can move around the map.

Selecting your contacts

To select your contacts, you will need to draw around a geographical area on the map using a square, circle or polygon tool. These are available to choose along the ribbon section above the map.

If you want your selected area to adhere to a fixed ratio, click on Normal and select Fixed ratio from the drop list.

Don't worry if your initial selection is a little clumsy or isn't quite right. This is easily corrected using the selection tools. You can delete, rotate or resize.

Click the red x to delete your selection, or click the polygon icon to manipulate any of your shape's points into another position and so alter your selection area.

Moving over your selection will also produce different cursor icons enabling you to move, resize or rotate it.

The width and length of your selection area is shown in the ribbon above the map (the default setting is in miles).

The number of contacts within the selected area is shown in the bottom left corner, underneath the map.

You can select more than one area at a time. This is done by additionally drawing around somewhere else on the map using a square, circle or polygon tool. The contacts selected are then added to the existing number shown.

Creating your new geographical address book

When you are happy with your selection, click Add these contacts to an address book. In doing so, you are creating a brand new address book which you will need to name and provide a description for. In the example below, a geographical query has been used to create an address book to target and re-engage Welsh-based contacts who could be more likely to attend a special business event in Cardiff.

Click Next and your geographical query will be added to your address books, ready for use.