---
title: "Getting started in Location Planning"
url: "https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/getting-started-in-location-planning"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-07-02T08:54:42.999Z"
---

# Getting started in Location Planning

Before you can generate any report in Location Planning — General, Segment, Relocation, or Expansion — you need a location on the map, evaluated within an up-to-date simulation. This article walks you through that setup. Once your location is added, continue to the report that matches your question:

-   [Which Segments Have Room?](https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/which-segments-have-room-general-report)
-   [Which Segment Opportunity Should I Explore Further?](https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/which-segment-opportunity-should-i-explore-further-segment-report)
-   [Which Nearby Retailers Could Relocate to My Location?](https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/which-nearby-retailers-could-relocate-to-my-location-relocation-opportunities-report)
-   [Which Retailers Are Missing From the Area?](https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/which-retailers-are-missing-from-the-area-expansion-opportunities-report)

### 1\. Make sure you're in the Location Planning module

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/ed7ddf3c-9704-4c11-becb-ea6f4d817734)

* * *

### 2\. Start a new simulation

On the left side of the screen, click **Start a new simulation**. This removes previous changes and allows you to start from the most up to date situation.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/a3bbe92c-064e-41be-a854-3963bbaa73bf)

Always select the **most recent period**. This ensures that your analysis is based on the latest available data.

*Good to know: everything you do in this module is only visible on your own user account. You cannot make changes that affect other users or the original data.*

* * *

### 3\. Add the location you want to evaluate

There are 2 ways to add a new location:

-   Add the location by dragging and dropping the marker from the left side panel onto the right area on the map.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/fc985ada-e1eb-45ec-ac8f-bd1fb7889a4d)

-   Or search for the right address in the search bar (upper left corner on the map). Click on the right address match in the list and a marker will be placed on the map.

Before continuing, check whether the basic information looks correct. In the first pop-up window:

-   Validate if the marker is placed at the right geographical position? Does the mini-map look logical? [Read here](https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-simulate-a-new-location#2.-validate-drivetime-connection) why this is important & how to adjust when needed
-   Validate the connection to the road network to make sure that the catchment area around the location is not underestimated. [Read here](https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-simulate-a-new-location#2.-validate-drivetime-connection) on how to this.
-   Rename the name if needed

Select apply. In the next pop-up window (see screenshot below):

-   Enter the surface of the new location
-   [Validate (or adjust) the car passage & footfall](https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-update-and-confirm-the-passage-by-car-and-footfall)

Once everything is correct, click **Apply**.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/4c1f3f5f-d507-4e5b-ac22-bac64c23ce57)

Your location is now ready. Continue to one of the four reports above depending on what you want to find out.

Tip: you can manage your simulations by following the steps [in this article.](https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/save-share-manage-your-simulations)