Disclaimer: Due to NDA, I'm unable to disclose the client for this project, therefore some data and content has been replaced/white-labeled.
Aerial Mapping Tool: Redefining Site Scouting with Actionable Insights
On-demand insights for strategic decision-making, without third-party dependency.
Industry
Role
Team
Platform
Introduction
Trapped by Third-Party Tools
Portfolio Specialists at a major U.S. telecom company faced a critical challenge: their site-scouting workflows relied entirely on third-party mapping software. If contracts ended, they’d lose access to essential data, jeopardizing strategic planning. The main issues were:
Portfolio Specialists at a major U.S. telecom company faced a critical challenge: their site-scouting workflows relied entirely on third-party mapping software. If contracts ended, they’d lose access to essential data, jeopardizing strategic planning. The main issues were:
Problem #1
Dependence on Third-Party Tools
Without ownership of their mapping solution, users faced uncertainty and risk.
Problem #2
Limited Access to Insights
Problem #3
Lack of Collaboration Features
The inability to annotate and share maps led to misunderstandings and inefficiencies.
My task was to design an independent, on-demand mapping tool that empowered users with actionable insights, while integrating seamlessly into the client’s existing platform.
As the product designer, I led the effort to translate these challenges into an intuitive, scalable solution, collaborating closely with product leadership, engineers, and stakeholders.
Process
Building the Solution
Laying the Foundation: Research & Strategy
The project began with stakeholder interviews and user research. Common themes emerged:
"If the contract ends, we lose everything—including site history and competitor data."
"We need a way to search by target area, not just by address—and see nearby points of interest."
To address these needs, I collaborated with engineers to explore the Google Maps API, identifying key capabilities like advanced search, traffic layers, and Street View integration.
Designing for Independence and Insight
The solution unfolded in three core phases:
V1: Foundational Access
Easy-access map drawer for quick browsing.
Basic search functionality by address and coordinates.
Map layers for competitors, retailers, and telecom sites.
V2: Enhanced Search & Customization
Multi-criteria search, including target area IDs.
Persistent layer controls, remembering user preferences.
Custom icons differentiating store types for clarity.
V3: Advanced Insights and Collaboration
Street View integration for on-the-ground perspective.
Traffic count overlays to inform location viability.
Annotation tools for markup and seamless sharing.
Throughout the process, I iterated based on stakeholder feedback, ensuring each feature aligned with user needs and technical constraints.
Outcome
Driving Impact
The final solution empowered Portfolio Specialists to scout locations faster, with greater accuracy and independence. Key outcomes included:
100% Independence: Eliminated reliance on third-party software, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical data.
Faster Decision-Making: On-demand insights streamlined site evaluations and approvals.
Improved Collaboration: Markup and sharing features reduced miscommunication, enabling teams to align quickly.
Future-Ready Design: Built as part of a scalable global toolbar, the tool set the stage for additional mapping innovations.
Leadership praised the tool’s seamless integration into the existing platform, calling it a "game-changer" for real estate planning.
Final Thoughts
This project culminated in empowering our users through thoughtful design, technical innovation by balancing user needs with API capabilities.
I helped deliver a scalable solution that transformed how Portfolio Specialists approached site scouting—unlocking smarter, faster, and more confident decision-making.
