6/1/2019
New Map Types, Map Layers and Vector Maps in Tableau 2019.2
Thanks to Allan Walker for taking the time to evaluation this weblog publish.
With the discharge of Tableau 2019.2, there are actually new map types and map layers accessible in Tableau. This permits the us to create numerous new maps in Tableau with out embedding Google maps or different mapping software like Mapbox. As well as, the mapping layers are actually vector maps. On this publish I’ll look at just a few of those and discover a few of the extra choices and formatting that are actually accessible.
First, let’s begin with vector maps. Previous to model 2019.2, Tableau rendered maps utilizing tiles. When you find yourself related to the web, these tiles have been downloaded from a server. On a Home windows pc, you’ll be able to see how this works by navigating to C:Program FilesTableauTableau 2019.1Mapsources and searching on the Tableau.tms file.
Every Map Model and Layer can be listed on this file.
When you find yourself offline, Tableau makes use of tiles which are put in domestically. You’ll be able to see these in your native Home windows listing in C:Program FilesTableauTableau 2019.1LocalMapsUSnormal, that are organized in numerous tile folders. Additionally, you will discover the varied zoom ranges within the pictures from folders 1 to 5.
Here’s a tile from the best stage zoom.
Here’s a tile from the bottom stage zoom.
Discover that as a result of these tiles are pictures that their decision will depend upon the zoom stage of the map. That is essential, as a result of because the map zooms in, these tiles will pixelate. When you zoom too far on the offline maps which use the native tiles, you’ll truly get an error in Tableau Maps.
When you find yourself related to the Web the tiles will zoom in a lot additional however ultimately they’ll pixelate as nicely. With Tableau 2019.2 and vector maps, we will zoom in to the bottom stage of streets and get a superbly detailed map with out pixelation (as a result of it is a vector picture as an alternative of a tiled picture).
Here’s a Map from Tableau 2019.1 (tiled). Discover the streets are blurry and although Streets and Highways are checked as a layer, the names of the streets don’t present up after a sure zoom level.
Here’s a Map from Tableau 2019.2 (vector). Discover the map renders completely at each zoom stage and the names of the streets present up even at detailed zoom.
Along with the standard of the picture, zooming in on the tiled maps can be clunky and it « steps » from tile to tile.
The vector maps in Tableau 2019.2 are fast and seamless when zooming out and in or panning from view to view.
These lovely vector maps are actually rendered via Mapbox. Right here is the connection via the brand new TMS file.
New Map Types and Map Layers
Subsequent, you’ll discover that the Gentle, Regular and Darkish types are nonetheless accessible. Nevertheless, these three have been up to date with extra Map Layers and there are actually three extra Map Types, Streets, Outside and Satelite, additionally with extra layers. Discover the additions of Water Labels, Cities, Factors of Curiosity, Neighbohoods, Constructing Footprints, Home Numbers, and Subway and Prepare Stations.
These new map layers convey a brand new dimension of mapping to Tableau. Try the small print of the Streets map layer with Constructing Footprints, Home Quantity and Level of Curiosity. and we will simply plot our knowledge on high of it. Listed below are the site visitors accidents in Cincinnati round Hearth Pizza, a Level of Curiosity that now routinely reveals up on the map layer (and a giant thanks to Hearth for internet hosting our final Cincinnati TUG assembly).
And here’s a Satelite view of that very same knowledge with a easy click on of a button. That is a lot simpler to implement vs. an embedded Google map via an internet object, which has particular URL necessities and may be problematic as a result of it requires an iframe (see my publish on Embedding Google Maps in Tableau for extra details about this course of).
Formatting the New Map Layers
If we apply the map formatting choices described in my blogs posts Creating « Beautiful Minimalistic Maps » in Tableau without Mapbox and More Custom Map Tips for Tableau without Using Mapbox then we will create all kinds of mapping magic. Observe – the vector maps are actually equipped via Mapbox, so the titles of my earlier posts are usually not technically appropriate anymore. They need to in all probability learn with out « customized Mapbox maps ».
As outlined in these weblog posts, eradicating the Base layer and making use of Shading on the Pane with permit us to paint our maps in all kinds of the way. Attempt toggling between the varied map layers and the totally different colours of the Pane.
Under is a visualization utilizing these methods. Each of those maps are constructed fully in Tableau with the brand new built-in map types and map layers.
