Design Data Layout and Mapping
Every Layout download from PowerBI.Tips includes a least of three files including Demo file, Layout file and Instructions PDF.
- First, demo file is a Power BI Desktop file (PBIX) That is prepopulated with data. This file is intended so that you can review the properties of each visual.
- Second, Layout File is exactly the same as the Demo file with the exception of a data source. Since there is no data source connected to the screen two issues will arise.
- You might see some warning screens, just click Close.
- All the visuals appear broken. Don’t worry, this is ok, it just looks bad when you get started. As you populate column fields into the visuals the “Fix This” buttons will disappear.
Steps to start with layout
- Open the *** Layout.pbit file.
- If any error messages appear, click Close.
- Load your data using either, Get Data, Recent Sources, or Enter Data.
- Once you are done loading and editing your data in the Query Editor. The Data tables should now be displayed in the Fields panel on the right side of the screen.
- Open the Selection Pane by clicking on the View ribbon and selecting the check box titled Selection Pane.
- Repeat for every visual on the page, and your report will be complete.
- Once you are all done make sure you save the report.
Power BI map visualizations
For the creation of Power BI maps the Power BI integrates with Bing Maps to provide default map coordinates (referred as geo-coding). Such that this integration use algorithms for identifying the exact location, but at times it’s a best guess. Moreover, if Power BI tries, but can’t create the map visualization on its own, then it enlists the help of Bing Maps.
It ay require you to update your firewall for allowing access to the URLs Bing uses for geocoding including –
- https://dev.virtualearth.net/REST/V1/Locations
- https://platform.bing.com/geo/spatial/v1/public/Geodata
- https://www.bing.com/api/maps/mapcontrol
Steps to increase the likelihood of correct Geo-coding
- First, you should have access to the dataset itself.
- The second set of tips is things you can do in Power BI if you don’t have access to the dataset.
The Power BI service and Power BI Desktop send Bing the geo data it needs to create the map visualization. This may include the data in the Location, Latitude, and Longitude buckets of the visual’s field well. Exactly what is sent varies by map type.
- For maps (bubble, scatter, and dot plot maps), if latitude and longitude are provided, then no data is sent to Bing. Otherwise, any data in the Location bucket is sent to Bing.
- Filled maps require a field in the Location bucket; even if latitude and longitude are provided. Whatever data is in the Location, Latitude, or Longitude bucket is sent to Bing.
Steps to improve the underlying dataset
- Firstly, Categorize geographic fields in Power BI Desktop
- Secondly, use more than one location column.
- Next, use specific Latitude and Longitude
- Lastly, use Place category for columns with full location information
For more details visit: Tips and tricks for Power BI map visualizations
