Adding a map layer

A map layer gives a geographical context to your data by rendering a worldwide map background under your data layers. You can add multiple map layers in one map chart.

Procedure

Follow the steps in Adding layers.

Tip: You can reuse the settings of an already existing layer instead of adding a completely new layer. See Duplicating a layer for detailed instructions.
From the list, click Map layer.
Optionally, move the layer to a new position on the list.
Review and update the map chart properties of interest.
In the map layer settings you can select the map type.
- The Rich reference map includes a terrain background map with labels, administrative borders, and roads, all in one single map layer.
- The Plain reference map is a version of the rich reference map, but without a terrain map background.
- The Rich map is the same terrain map background as the one used in the rich reference map, but without labels, borders and roads. Use this type when you want to build up your own map with separate layers that can be hidden individually.
- The Plain map neither has a terrain map background nor labels, borders, and roads.
- Labels, Borders, and Roads only contain labels (such as continent names, countries and cities), the administrative borders, and roads, respectively.
You can also choose to use a light or dark map regardless of the document's theme background color.
Note: Some features will not be seen until you reach a certain zoom level.

Map layer example

This example shows a map chart with multiple map layers. The Transparency value has been modified on the Labels and Rich map layers, to enhance the roads on the map.

Tip: You can use several map types together, along with transparency settings, for effective layering. For example, you might add four map layers on top of each other, where the bottom layer is a rich map (which does not include any borders, roads, or labels), and the other three are borders, roads, and labels respectively. You can then fine-tune the appearance of the map chart by changing transparency, map style, or simply hiding the layers separately.