Customizing Map Images on Tableau Dashboard in 3 Simple Steps, Calculations Not Needed.
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of exporting a custom map image with coordinates and using it as a background map in Tableau. This technique is particularly useful when Tableau's built-in map services fail to display the required geo-features.
Steps to Export and Use a Custom Map Image
- Create or Customize the Map: Use a GIS or mapping tool to design your custom map image with proper coordinate references (latitude and longitude). Ensure the map represents the geographic area and features you want in Tableau’s background.
- Export the Map Image: Export the customized map as an image file (PNG, JPEG) ensuring the map includes coordinate grids or is properly georeferenced so you can match Tableau’s coordinate system.
- Load the Image into Tableau: In Tableau, go to the worksheet, select "Map" > "Background Images," then add your data source and upload the image.
- Configure Coordinates in Tableau: Specify the exact coordinates (latitude and longitude) for the image’s four corners to align it correctly with your data points.
- Plot Your Data Over the Map: Connect your data source with latitude and longitude fields, plot these points on the map visualization, and Tableau will overlay them accurately on your custom background map.
While the retrieved sources don't provide detailed step-by-step instructions directly on exporting and using a custom background map image with coordinates in Tableau, the first source outlines how Tableau handles geographic data plotting, emphasizing the importance of latitude and longitude and custom map layers [1].
For more precise guidance, use mapping software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) to export your map image with known coordinate bounds. In Tableau, select "Map" > "Background Images" > [Your Data Source], then add the image. Specify the coordinate ranges (e.g., min/max latitude and longitude) for positioning. Plot your data points using latitude and longitude fields to visualize over the custom map.
This approach leverages Tableau’s capability to layer spatial data over custom backgrounds using coordinates to ensure accurate alignment. Additionally, this article covers other underrated Tableau tricks, workarounds, and tips, including the use of Superscript and Subscript in Tableau, Selective Formatting of Numbers, Render Mixed Geometry Types in Tableau in 2 Simple Steps, and Leveraging D3.js v4 to build a Network Graph for Tableau with ease.
[1] Source: Tableau Blog - Understanding Map Layers in Tableau
Data-and-cloud-computing technologies, such as QGIS and ArcGIS, can help create a custom map image with coordinate references, which can be used as a background map in Tableau. The custom map image can be loaded into Tableau, and its coordinates can be configured to align it accurately with data points.
