Do you want to learn Spatial Data Mapping in Power BI? In a recent webinar, Sr. BI Consultant, Chris Silvernail, looks at the traditional Map, Shape Map and Filled Map Visuals. The second half of the presentation focuses on the new Azure Maps visual including a demonstration leveraging a Custom Tile Layer.

Chris covers the 4 main map types that are built into Power BI; Bing Maps (both Maps and Filled Maps), the Shape Map and the newly introduced Azure Map which are both still in preview. All the maps shown are available in the free version of Power BI.

This demo-heavy webinar will show you how to use each of these maps, as well as what each is best for. Here’s a quick run-down:

  • Bing Map – visuals displayed using Bubble and Heat Maps. Use case: Displaying exact location on a map or displaying two separate measures simultaneously using size and color gradient of bubble.
  • Bing Map (Filled Map) – using color/gradient to display aggregate values within regional boundaries and predefined boundaries. Use case: showing how values differs in proportion to other geographies or regions. Birthrate, Crime Rate, Population, etc.
  • Shape Map – Similar to Filled Map, except there are no Bing Layers (satellite, road, etc.). You can provide your own topoJSON maps, as well as custom region/geographies. Also support no geo maps (venue seating, parking lot, etc.). Use case: Use instead of the Filled Map when you need to specify your own geography regions or non-geo map (venue seating, etc.).
  • Azure Maps – This new release is a collection of geospatial services and SDKs that use fresh mapping data to provide geographic context to web and mobile applications. The Power BI Map Visual leverages Azure Maps. These maps have 5 Layers: bubble layer, 3D bar chart layer, 2 measures (color and height), reference layer, custom tile layer and real-time traffic layer.

So, if you’re interested in learning more about Spatial Data Mapping in Power BI, this webinar is for you! You can watch the complete webinar below.

Be sure to join us each week for our free webinars that happen every Tuesday at 11 AM ET. Our webinars cover a wide range of Azure topics and are presented by industry experts. Check out what webinars are coming up on our events calendar.

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