Using Map View to Find Construction Work

Why geographic search matters

Construction work is inherently local. Most homeowners want a contractor who is nearby — someone who knows the area, can visit the site easily, and is part of the local community. When you search for planning applications, being able to search geographically — by location and radius — is essential.

PlanningIndex offers an interactive map view alongside the standard list view. The map shows planning applications as markers, colour-coded by type, so you can see where work is being planned at a glance.

Getting started with the map

To use the map view, open Planning Search and click the "Map" toggle at the top of the results. The map will display all applications that match your current search filters, plotted as markers at their property locations.

You can pan and zoom the map just like any other map. Use the zoom controls in the top-right corner, or use your mouse wheel or trackpad. As you zoom in, you will see more detail — individual streets, property boundaries, and the exact location of each application.

1. 1Open Planning Search from your workspace sidebar.
2. 2Enter a location — a town, postcode, or place name.
3. 3Set a radius from 1 to 100 miles.
4. 4Enter any keywords or set any other filters you need.
5. 5Click Search, then toggle to Map view.

Reading the markers

Each marker on the map represents a single planning application. Markers are colour-coded by application type or status, so you can quickly identify the type of work being proposed. The legend in the bottom-right corner of the map shows what each colour means.

Click any marker to see a summary of the application — title, reference, address, and status. From the summary, you can open the full application details or add the application to your leads.

Radius search: choosing the right distance

The radius filter determines how far from your chosen location the search will look. The right radius depends on your trade and your willingness to travel.

For trades that require multiple site visits — like extensions and loft conversions — a smaller radius of 10 to 15 miles is practical. For one-off jobs — like window replacements or roofing — you might extend to 25 miles or more. Start with a smaller radius and expand if you are not finding enough opportunities.

Combining map and list views

The map view and list view are connected. When you apply filters, both views update. When you click a marker on the map, the corresponding result is highlighted in the list. This makes it easy to switch between seeing where applications are and reading their details.

Use the map to identify geographic patterns and clusters. Use the list to read application descriptions and assess relevance. Switching between the two gives you both the spatial overview and the detailed information you need to decide which applications to pursue.