Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Software applications

• How do I import data into the software?
  Using the Import Wizard, you can quickly and easily import data (purchasing power, inhabitants, turnover, sales territories, etc.) and locations as points (customer, branch sites, employees, etc.).  Learn how to do this by watching our video tutorials, "Importing locations" and "Importing external data tables".
  
  
• What's the difference between maps and background maps?
  Maps are map layers into which you can import data (e.g., your turnover results) and use as the basis for carrying out analyses and planning sales territories. Background maps are pre-formatted maps. Background maps allow you to quickly and easily access geographic information or create a customized map with a finished look. Our video tutorials show you how to use maps and background maps in the software. Watch the video tutorial "Using layer tables and map labels" to learn how a map layer is constructed.
  
  
• Which data analysis and display options are offered by RegioGraph?
  The software offers a wide range of options for analyzing and displaying your data. So-called "thematic maps" allow you to illuminate values and relationships in your data using colors, sizes and symbols. For example, you can color-code your sales territories according to turnover values, and display your customers according to the assigned representative and generated turnover. Watch our video tutorial "Visualizing data" to learn about the most important analysis options.
  
  
• How can I transfer information from imported customer or location data to regional levels such as postcodes?
  With RegioGraph, it's easy to link any important data with other map layers. For example, this technique can be used to determine the amount of turnover generated per region/postcode. To do this, select the option "Transfer Layer Data ". Watch a video tutorial to learn how to geographically link various data via layer tables.
  
  
• How does RegioGraph support sales territory planning?
  RegioGraph offers a range of professional tools for planning and optimizing your sales territories according to the criteria you specify. You can access these options via the "Districting" menu in RegioGraph Planning and higher versions. Learn more about these planning tools in our video tutorial "Creating, editing and using territory structures". Also, browse through our additional tutorials. These contain many tips & tricks for using RegioGraph to plan and optimize sales territories.
  
  
• How do I calculate drive-time zones around locations?
  You can create drive-time zones around any locations in RegioGraph Planning and higher versions. This feature entails not just visualizing distances, but also carrying out various associated calculations. For example, you can categorize your customer locations according to accessibility. Watch our video tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
  
  
• How can I export my results from RegioGraph?
  All the maps and tables you create can be easily exported from the software. RegioGraph also gives you the option of creating reports from directly within the software. You can then export these to a file, such as a PDF. Learn more about RegioGraph's reporting features in our video tutorial "Additional tips and options for creating maps".

• How can I automatically create serial maps, such as customized territory maps for each outside sales force territory that can then be exported?
  RegioGraph's "Layout Generator" option allows you to automatically create customized maps. Watch this video tutorial to find out how.

• Can I use layers in foreign data formats in RegioGraph?
  Yes. You can use maps in MapInfo format (*.mif) and ESRI format (*.shp) directly from RegioGraph's map library. Please note that maps in *.shp format must be saved in the WGS 84 (projection: EPSG 4326) standard in order to import them into the software.

• How do I create a layer of a given country´s three-digit postcodes?
  As a default, RegioGraph typically includes the one-, two- and five-digit postcode layers for a given country. Click here for instructions on creating your own three-digit postcode layer.

Version differences and features

• What's the difference between RegioGraph Analysis, Planning and Strategy?
  RegioGraph Analysis is ideal for visualizing and analyzing your markets, customers and locations on digital maps. RegioGraph Planning includes all the features of RegioGraph Analysis. RegioGraph Planning additionally includes professional tools for creating catchment areas and optimizing and planning sales territories. RegioGraph Strategy includes all features of RegioGraph Planning. The software also includes comprehensive location evaluation features as well as detailed data on potential, available down to the level of street segments.

• Can I also use RegioGraph for international planning and analyses?
  You can incorporate any of GfK's global map sets into RegioGraph. This allows you to carry out international analyses with the software. Geocoding functionality is available for most European countries and selected non-European countries. Geocoding refers to the ability to import company data into maps at the level of street segments. The purchase of a European map set includes GfK Purchasing Power for no additional charge for the corresponding country. Click here for more information about using RegioGraph internationally.

Contract conditions

• How long do I have the right to update?
  As a RegioGraph user, you have the right to update to the subsequent two versions of RegioGraph after purchasing the software. At present, this means that all users of RegioGraph 2013 and RegioGraph 2014 have the right to update to RegioGraph 2015 at the discounted update price.

System requirements

• What are the system requirements for RegioGraph?
  RegioGraph can be used on systems running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 operating systems with the most up-to-date service packs. Minimum requirements include a 1 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM. A multi-core processor and 2 GB of RAM are recommended.

Installation

• How do I install RegioGraph?
  Double-click the file "setup.exe" contained on the application DVD. This will automatically start the installation. Dialog windows guide you through the process.

• Do I have to install all the maps and background maps on the DVD as part of the application installation?
  Yes. These maps and background maps are necessary in order to import and analyze data on the layers. If you skip this step at the time of installing the software, you can subsequently install the map data from the DVD at any point.

• Does RegioGraph support 64-bit and multi-core processors?
  Yes, RegioGraph will run on a 64-bit system as a 32-bit application. RegioGraph makes simultaneous use of multiple processors when performing intensive calculations. When importing *.xlsx files, please note that these must be saved with a 32-bit driver, because RegioGraph does not recognize *.xlsx files saved with a 64-bit driver when carrying out a data import.

• Does RegioGraph run on a Mac?
  Yes, if you're running Windows as an additional operating system via the applications Boot Camp or Parallels, you can work with RegioGraph in the usual way.

• Which run-time environment is needed for RegioGraph?
  The software requires Microsoft .NET FrameWork 4.0 with the English-language packet, Windows Installer version 3.1 and C++ run-time environment version 2010 SP1. These programs are included on the software DVD and are automatically installed during the software set-up.

Working with older versions of the software

• Will I still have access to my old RegioGraph projects after installing RegioGraph?
  Yes, you can open existing project files with a new version of the software.  Note that when you first open a file created with RegioGraph 2010 or earlier version, your project will be automatically converted. From that point forward, you can only edit the project with your current version of the software.

• Can I continue to use a layer from my previous version (*.rx5 or later) of RegioGraph?
  Yes, this is possible, as long as you copy and insert the layer into RegioGraph's map library before uninstalling the previous version of RegioGraph. Please note that in order to copy layers from RegioGraph 8/District 8, this version of the software must also be installed on your system.