How to Split a PowerPoint Map in Half Using Edit Points, Video 1/2

In this video, we will learn how to split a state map in half. This will be a two-part video. In Part 1, I’ll be using the Edit Points feature of PowerPoint. And in Part 2, I’ll show you a simple tracing technique. Depending on the complexity of the map border that you are splitting will determine which option to use.

Our maps are easy to customize for your sales, marketing, or educational presentations or projects. Every object in one of our maps is an independent individual object that can be customized. The techniques shown here also work with Google Slides and Apple Keynote.

One of the most common questions we get is how to split a state in half. Usually around setting up a sales territory map. One salesperson has the northern half and another has the southern. In a previous video, I showed you how to build a sales territory map. Creating a Sales Territory Map Link Here

Splitting a State

For this training, we will be using our USA 50 State map and splitting the state of California.

PowerPoint isn’t really a drawing program like Adobe Illustrator. We can’t cut a line. But we have figured out a good workaround that gives the appearance of splitting a state map without actually splitting it. What we are really doing is adding a partial piece of the individual state on top of itself. We make a second map that has the new area and sit it on top of the base map. To the viewer, it looks like the state has been split in half. In reality, there are two maps on top of each other. Each is filled with its own color.

• First, we need to duplicate the state we are splitting. Click on it to select it. You will see eight handles around the outside.
• Second, copy it. You can copy the selected map by going to Copy in the Edit pull-down menu. Or you can click the right-click on your mouse button if you have a PC. Or if you have a Mac, hold down the Control Key on the keyboard and click your pointer on the map. Select Copy.
• Third, Paste the new map on the slide in an empty area of the screen.
• Fourth, Now that we have duplicated the map, we want to select it with our pointer. You will see the eight handles around the outside.
• Five, Hold down either the right click on your mouse button if you are on a PC or on a Mac click and hold down the Control Key and click on the map. A small pop-up box will appear with options like Group, Copy, and Edit Point. We’re going to be working with Edit Points.
• Sixth, Click on Edit Points, and you’ll see all the points appear that make up the map. The points will appear around the perimeter of the map. These were the drawing points that make up the original map. You’ll notice that as you move the mouse/pointer over the map border the cursor changes. Out in the pasteboard area, the cursor is a pointer. Move the cursor over the center of the state it is a crosshair. If you click and hold the pointer you can drag the state around the slide.
• If you move the cursor over the line you will see it change to a little tiny square with a crosshair. That indicates you can do something to this line. I can now hold down my control key or right click and I can add a point, delete segments, or open a path. I can add a point and I can move that point and change my shape if I needed to. I can just pull it out and I can put it back.
• Seventh, You can also delete points and change the shape of the map. We’re going to just nibble off part of the map. It looks like there are a lot of points, but in reality, it doesn’t take you that long once you get the hang of it. Moved your cursor over the point, hold down your control key and click on it. Deleting points as I go. You can also change the characteristics of a point. I would stay away from that at the moment, but you can add or delete it. You just want to carefully go around the perimeter and delete one-half of the points to create your territory. You don’t want to delete too much. You want to make a mental note of where the stopping point is for the new territory you are creating. Just keep nibbling your way around the border of the map. Being careful to not nibble off too much.
• Eight, this goes relatively quickly once you get the hang of it. California or Texas are probably the most complex states to do because there are so many points. Finish off by removing the section of the map you want. We now select the map and give it a new color. We take the new piece of the state and fit it right back on top of the full base map.So now the top half is one color and the bottom half is a different color.

  So pretty easy. Select your state, copy it, and paste it off on the side. Hold the Control Key down and click your mouse or right-click your mouse. Choose Edit Points and start nibbling away. When done give the new section a different color and place it on top of the existing base map.