For example, if you want to see obesity rates for every county across the United States, you might consider creating a choropleth map to see if you can spot any spatial trends.įor more information about Choropleth maps, and to learn how to create them in Tableau, see Create Maps that Show Ratio or Aggregated Data in Tableau (Link opens in a new window). For example, you can plot earthquakes around the world and size them by magnitude.įor more information about proportional symbol maps, and to learn how to create them in Tableau, see Create Maps that Show Quantitative Values in Tableau (Link opens in a new window).Īlso known as filled maps in Tableau, Choropleth maps are great for showing ratio data. Proportional symbol maps are great for showing quantitative data for individual locations. With Tableau, you can create the following common map types: What types of maps can you build in Tableau? That’s why it’s important to create maps that represent your data accurately, as well as attractively. If your map is beautiful, but the data is misleading, or not insightful, you run the risk of people misinterpreting your data. In other words: the data isn’t misleading, and the map is appealing. Maps that answer questions well have both appropriate data representation, and attractive data representation. If the answer is no, then take the following into account: If the answer is yes, then perhaps a map view isn’t the best visualization for the data you’re using. One general rule is to ask yourself whether you could answer your question faster, or easier with another visualization. So when do you know if you should use a map view? The above example is one of many where a different type of visualization would be better to answer a spatial question than a map. What if you create a bar chart instead? Now is it easy to spot the state with the most farmers markets? Can you easily tell the difference between New York and California? Which one has more farmers markets? If you had a data source with a list of farmers markets per state, you might create a map view like the one below. Take for example, the first question from the previous list: Which state has the most farmers markets? However, that might not always be the case. If you have a spatial question, a map view might be a great way to answer it. However, is a map the best way to answer them? When should you use a map to represent your data? Where are people checking out and returning bikes from their local bike share program?Īll of these are spatial questions. Which metro station is the busiest for each metro line in my city? Which state has the most farmers markets? You make a map in Tableau because you have a spatial question, and you need to use a map to understand the trends or patterns in your data.īut what is a spatial question? Some examples might be: Perhaps you have some location data in your data source? Or maybe you think a map could really make your data pop? Both of those are good enough reasons to create a map visualization, but it’s important to keep in mind that maps, like any other type of visualization, serve a particular purpose: they answer spatial questions. There are many reasons to put your data on a map. If you're new to maps in Tableau, this is a great place to start learning. It also describes some of the types of maps you can create in Tableau, with links to topics that demonstrate how to create each one. This topic explains why and when you should put your data on a map visualization. If you want to analyze your data geographically, you can plot your data on a map in Tableau.
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