Local SEO heatmaps in Search Atlas do not update instantly when you change the target date. Instead, they follow an automated two-week refresh cycle. Understanding this cycle helps you interpret your heatmap data correctly and set accurate expectations for when new results will appear.
When you create or configure a Local SEO heatmap, Search Atlas schedules automated data refreshes on a fixed two-week (14-day) cadence from the date the heatmap was first generated. This cycle runs in the background without requiring any manual action.
Refresh frequency: Every 14 days from the original heatmap creation date.
Trigger: Fully automated — no manual scan or cache clear is needed.
Data shown between refreshes: The most recently completed refresh snapshot. Your heatmap will continue displaying that data until the next scheduled refresh completes.
Date selector behaviour: Changing the date range in the heatmap settings updates the reporting window for future refreshes, but it does not trigger an immediate new data pull for the current cycle.
If you updated your heatmap date to August 17th but the map is still displaying August 4th data, this is expected behaviour. August 4th was the date of the last completed refresh. The system will continue showing that snapshot until the next scheduled refresh — 14 days after the previous one — is complete.
Changing the date setting alone does not reset or skip the refresh cycle. The new date configuration will be applied during the next automated refresh.
In the left sidebar, go to Local → Local SEO Heatmaps.
Locate the heatmap you want to check.
Review the last updated timestamp displayed on the heatmap card.
Add 14 days to that date — that is when your next refresh is scheduled to run.
For example, if your last refresh completed on August 4th, your next refresh will run on or around August 18th. Once that refresh completes, the heatmap will automatically display data aligned with your updated date settings.
Data is a snapshot, not live: Each heatmap represents ranking positions captured at the moment of the most recent refresh, not real-time rankings.
Gap between refreshes is normal: A 14-day gap in displayed dates does not indicate an error. It reflects the standard refresh cadence.
Date setting changes apply forward: Any configuration updates — including date range, keywords, or grid size — are queued and applied at the next scheduled refresh.
Refresh completion time varies: Depending on grid size and keyword volume, a refresh may take several hours to fully process after it is triggered.
To review or update your heatmap configuration before the next refresh, follow these steps:
In the left sidebar, navigate to Local → Local SEO Heatmaps.
Select the heatmap you want to manage.
Adjust your date range, keywords, or other settings as needed.
Click Save to confirm your changes.
Your updated settings will take effect when the next automated refresh runs. You do not need to re-create the heatmap or run a manual scan.
Refresh cadence: Every 14 days (automated)
Manual trigger required: No
Effect of changing the date: Applied at next refresh, not immediately
Where to check last refresh: Left sidebar → Local → Local SEO Heatmaps → heatmap card timestamp
Next refresh estimate: Last refresh date + 14 days
If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.