Last Updated: March 9, 2026
Welcome to Maptitude! Whether you are opening the software for the first time or returning after upgrading to a newer version, this article will help you get oriented quickly and start using the program with confidence.
NOTE: This article focuses on using the software after it has already been installed and activated. If you need help with downloading, installing, or activating Maptitude, please visit our Download/Installation/Activation Help pages.
Table of Contents
Before You Begin
Before diving in, we recommend making sure Maptitude is installed and activated, and then reviewing the Maptitude Basics tutorial. This introduction covers the main interface and key terminology you will encounter throughout the software and the Learning Portal.
Start with the Built-in Tutorials
One of the best ways to get comfortable with Maptitude is to use the built-in tutorials included with the software. These step-by-step lessons provide a hands-on introduction to the main tools and workflows.
Included with your Maptitude installation is:
- A Tutorial folder with supplemental files
- A Help Guide that includes a Tutorial chapter with step-by-step instructions for the main tools in the software
To access the tutorials:
- Open Maptitude and choose Help > Maptitude Help
- In the Table of Contents on the left, choose Tutorial
- Work through the sections that are most useful for your needs
Core Videos to Watch First
If you want a quick overview before exploring specific workflows, start with a few general-purpose videos that explain how to move around the software and manage what appears on your map.
You can find additional videos on the Tutorial Videos page.
Common Map Types and Questions They Answer
If you are not yet sure which tool you need, it can help to start with the type of question you want to answer. Maptitude includes tutorials for many common mapping and analysis workflows, including:
- Pushpin maps
- Thematic maps
- Joined data maps by ZIP Code, county, and other geographies
- Heat maps
- Custom styles, symbols, labels, and layers
- Routing
- Drive-time rings
- Territories
- Buffers
A few examples of common starting questions are:
- Where are my customers located?
- What are my sales by ZIP Code?
- Where can I reach within 30 minutes or 1 hour of my office?
- What is the best route to visit my customers?
- What population is within 10 miles of my stores?
Once you know the kind of answer you want, you can choose the matching tutorial and build from there.
Other Resources
This article focuses mainly on self-help resources for getting started with Maptitude. If you would like more guided help, you can also:
- Register for a webinar or training session
- Get technical assistance through Help > Technical Support in Maptitude or email support@caliper.com
In Summary
A good path for getting started is to review the basics, work through the built-in tutorials, watch a few core videos, and then choose the map type that best matches the question you want to answer. From there, you can continue building your skills with additional tutorials, webinars, training, and support resources.