Radius map
Measures the same straight-line distance in every direction. It is quick, but it does not reflect whether the route is actually usable.
Free core map · drive · walk · cycle
Isochrone Map Generator
Create a free isochrone or drive-time map around a selected location where routing coverage is available. Compare 5–60 minute driving, walking and cycling catchments.
- No install required
- 5–60 minute travel times
- Free core map
Travel time follows the network
REAL APPISOCHRONE VIEWActual Horizon Mapper output: two drive-time areas shaped by the mapped road network.
The simple definition
What is an isochrone map?
An isochrone shows every place reachable from one origin within a chosen travel time. Unlike a fixed-radius circle, its boundary follows the mapped road and path network.
10-minute drive15-minute walk30-minute cycle
Use the live tool
Create a drive-time, walking or cycling map in three steps
This page leads directly into the working map. No GIS software or desktop install is required.
- 01
Choose a location
Search for a place or select an origin directly on the map.
- 02
Set mode and time
Choose driving, walking or cycling, then set the travel-time limit.
- 03
Generate and explore
Create the isochrone, inspect the reachable area and add context layers.
Open the isochrone toolStart free in the browser. Travel times use routing profiles and typical speeds; Horizon Mapper does not use live traffic. Read how to evaluate a drive-time map.
A better measure of access
Why use an isochrone instead of a radius?
Distance and travel time answer different questions. Use the one that matches the decision.
Isochrone map
Follows the mapped transport network, so roads, bridges, one-way streets and mapped barriers shape the area. Elevation can affect walking and cycling profiles.
Common uses
Use travel time where reach matters
Isochrones turn a location into an operational catchment, making access easier to compare and explain.
Catchment-area analysis
Site selection
Retail and restaurant expansion
Accessibility analysis
Delivery and service areas
Real-estate analysis
Access to facilities
Go beyond the outline
Build a catchmentExplore what sits inside the catchment
Compare multiple zones, add population and accessibility layers, inspect points of interest, and keep the map connected to the decision you are making.
How to read an opportunity scoreQuick answers
Isochrone map generator FAQ
The essentials before you open the map. For routing limits and data sources, see the methodology page.
What is an isochrone map?
An isochrone map shows the area that can be reached from a location within a chosen travel time. Its boundary follows the transport network rather than a fixed straight-line distance.
How do I create an isochrone map?
Open Horizon Mapper, search for or select an origin, choose driving, walking or cycling, set a travel time between 5 and 60 minutes, then generate the zone.
What is the difference between an isochrone and a radius map?
A radius map measures equal straight-line distance in every direction. An isochrone follows the mapped road and path network, so bridges, one-way streets and mapped barriers can change the reachable shape. Elevation can affect walking and cycling profiles.
Can I create drive-time maps?
Yes. Choose the driving profile and a duration from 5 to 60 minutes to create a drive-time catchment around your selected origin.
Can I create walking or cycling isochrones?
Yes. Horizon Mapper includes walking and cycling profiles as well as driving, so you can compare how the reachable area changes by travel mode.
Is Horizon Mapper's isochrone map generator free to use?
Yes. Driving, walking and cycling isochrone generation is included in Horizon Mapper's free core map; no desktop GIS install is required.
Create your first travel-time map
Pick a location, choose a mode and let the transport network draw the reachable area.