Definition
Maps and Location Settings is a Setup page where administrators enable and configure map and geolocation features in Salesforce, including the display of interactive maps on address fields, geocoding of addresses, and location-based services for mobile users.
Real-World Example
The admin at NexGen Logistics enables Maps and Location Settings to display interactive Google Maps on Account and Contact record pages. Now when a delivery coordinator views an Account, they see a map pin showing the exact delivery location. She also enables geocoding so that latitude and longitude are automatically populated from address fields.
Why Maps and Location Settings Matters
Maps and Location Settings is a Setup page where administrators enable and configure geolocation features in Salesforce, including interactive maps on address fields, automatic geocoding of addresses into latitude and longitude coordinates, and location-based services for mobile users. When enabled, standard address fields on objects like Account, Contact, and Lead display an embedded map that visually shows the address location. Geocoding automatically converts addresses into coordinates, which powers distance calculations, territory assignments, and route optimization for field teams.
As organizations with field operations scale, Maps and Location Settings becomes foundational for operational efficiency. Field sales teams, delivery operations, and service technicians all benefit from seeing customer locations visually and optimizing their routes. Without geocoding enabled, organizations cannot leverage location-based features like proximity searches, territory mapping, or the Field Service optimization engine. The consequences include inefficient routing, missed appointments, and territory overlaps. However, administrators should be aware that geocoding consumes API calls and has daily processing limits, so enabling it on high-volume objects requires planning to avoid hitting those limits.
How Organizations Use Maps and Location Settings
- NexGen Logistics — NexGen's admin enables Maps and Location Settings to display interactive maps on Account and Contact records. Delivery coordinators see a map pin showing the exact delivery location when viewing an Account, eliminating the need to copy addresses into external mapping tools. Geocoding auto-populates latitude and longitude fields used by the dispatch system for route optimization.
- Summit Field Services — Summit enables geocoding through Maps and Location Settings to power their Field Service Lightning optimization engine. Accurate coordinates on Work Order locations allow the scheduling optimizer to minimize travel time between appointments. This reduced average daily drive time per technician by 45 minutes, adding one additional service call per day per tech.
- Crestline Real Estate — Crestline's agents use the interactive map on Property records to show clients the exact location during virtual showings. The admin also enables geocoding to build proximity-based reports that show all properties within a 5-mile radius of a client's preferred location, which powers their property matching automation.