How to Use the Map Chart

A map chart is normally built by several different layers. Each layer can be configured separately with regards to coloring, labels and appearance. The order of the visible layers (and the transparency of each layer) determines what will be visible in the final map chart. For example, place transparent layers containing labels at the top.

The key to positioning different layers relative to each other is in most cases based on geocoding, and the geocoding is in turn based on a column matching between the data table containing the data of interest and a geocoding hierarchy. If any issues should arise, it is often the column matching that needs to be reviewed.

Since the column matching allows you to view data from multiple data tables in one visualization, you can use data from one data table to display information in a layer based on a different data table. For example, if you create a feature layer based on a geocoding data table to show different regions in your country, you can use your own sales data table to color the regions.

To create a new map chart:

Click on the New Map Chart button on the toolbar, .

Comment: You can also select Insert > New Visualization > Map Chart from the menu.

Response: A default map chart is created. You can change the default layers in the Options – Map Chart dialog.
Right-click in the visualization to display the pop-up menu and select Properties.

Response: The Map Chart Properties dialog is displayed.
Go to the Layers page to modify the layers available.

Comment: You can double-click on a layer to open the Settings for that layer.

To create a new layer:

Create a map chart and go to the Layers page in the Map Chart Properties, as specified above.
Click Add and select the layer type of interest.

Comment: You can select a Marker Layer, Feature Layer, Image Layer, Map Layer or WMS Layer. You can also select to duplicate the selected layer in the Layers list. Marker layers and feature layers can either be based on a data table in the analysis or on a geocoding hierarchy from the library.

Use the Settings dialog for each of the new layers to define what to show.

For some information about converting the older 5.5 map charts into map charts, see How to Use the 5.5 Map Chart.