Creating a map chart with markers

In a map chart with markers, data associated with locations is represented by markers placed in a geographical context.

The map chart consists of different layers, where the background map forms one layer, and markers representing the actual data form another layer. Navigation controls for zooming and panning are located to the right in the visualization.

The markers for geographical names in your data are automatically positioned on their geographic coordinates on the map. The sizes of the markers reflect values from a certain column in your data, usually a numerical column containing, for example, sales figures. The values may represent aggregated data or not aggregated data for the particular location. Aggregated values could be, for example, sums or averages.

The main axes in the map chart with markers are the Marker axis and the Size axis in the legend.

1. In the toolbar, click Add new visualization, , and select Map Chart (Markers).
   A suggestion of a map chart with markers is presented.
2. On the Marker axis, select the column or columns containing the geographical names on which you want to place markers.
3. On the Size axis, select the column containing the data that the sizes of the markers should reflect.
4. Select which type of aggregated value to display for the column selected on the Size axis.

Example

Assume you create a map chart with markers to show the sales figures below.

Markers reflecting the sum of sales per city are automatically positioned on the map.

Note: Geographical names are not unique. Names can be identical but their positions different. You can avoid misinterpretations by specifying a distinct geographical hierarchy, if possible. For example, above you have access to both Country and City columns. To prevent ambiguity, we recommend that you select not only City but both Country and City on the Marker axis.

To let each marker reflect the total sum of sales per country, simply remove City from the Marker axis. The markers get a central position in each country, and their sizes update to reflect the total sum of sales per country.