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Version: 9.3

Dot Map

Dot Maps display the actual geolocation of each record in the dataset as a dot on a map. These are best for detecting patterns or the distribution of data at a precise location (states, cities, street addresses, house numbers, and so on) by placing same-sized points over those locations.

dot-map

Required Columns​

Before you can create a Map Chart, you must prepare your data by adding a Geolocation group. Dot maps use one geolocation column.

Each Map Chart needs at least one geolocation group to identify the parts of an address that will be used for positioning locations on the map. This can be set in the Design section of Datasets. Define these groups correctly to ensure accurate map locations.

For more information on geolocation, see "Setting Up Geolocation Groups" in the Live Connect Datasets article.

Usage​

Dot Maps can visualize the distribution of locations in the data, highlighting the density of data points, especially in large sets of data. For example, the location of individual traffic accidents can draw attention to the areas where the dots are dense, as problem areas.

Create a Dot Map​

To create a Dot Map, drag and drop a data field from a geolocation group into the Geolocation shelf.

The following example visualizes the concentration of customers by country.

  1. Drag and drop the Country column from the geolocation group that was created at dataset design time onto the Geolocation shelf.
  2. To make the dots more visible, change their color to red, change their symbols to Filled, and turn off Allow Clustering to see each location individually.

One glance at the resulting map shows a heavier concentration of customers in Europe.

dot-map

Qrvey dot maps support clustering of locations based on the zoom factor of the map; when zoomed out. Dots that are close to each other are displayed as a single symbol showing the number of items in the cluster. As you zoom in , the the cluster splits into smaller clusters. You can change this default behavior by disabling the Allow Clustering configuration option in the Styles section.

To add a value to your visualization (for example, show the number of sales, number of customers, or a similar measure in specific areas), you can use a Bubble Map.

Style the Dot Map​

Use the Configuration Panel in Chart Builder to style different aspects of your map.

General​

The General section is available for all chart types, and the options vary depending on the chart selected.

Styles​

The Styles section enables you to control various visual elements of the charts, such as colors, labels, and more. It is available for most chart types, and the options vary depending on the chart selected. Style options specific to this chart are listed below.

  • Color - Change the color of the dot shown on the map.

  • Base Map - Set the map mode and viewing layers:

  • Map Region - Select a predetermined area as the initial view of the map. You can always zoom in or out of the selected area.

  • Symbol - Select a symbol style that corresponds to the visualization.

  • Fill - Fill or outline the symbols on the chart.

  • Symbol Opacity - Set the degree of the symbol opacity to improve the view of the background map.

  • Map Borders - Show or hide country and region borders on your map.

  • Allow Clustering - Manage clustering of data points. When unchecked, the map displays individual data points. When checked, the map groups data points within the same geolocation as a single symbol.

  • Data Labels - Label the dots where multiple geolocation points are clustered.

    dot-map

Format​

You can apply conditional formatting to Dot Map Charts.

Filters​

You can also add Filters to your data by expanding the Filters section in the configuration panel or selecting the Filters button in the toolbar above the canvas. Filters that are created in the Chart Builder are hidden from end users. You cannot edit or interact with these filters in view mode.