Power BI users worldwide have recently noticed that the built-in Bing Maps visual is being retired, with Azure Maps positioned as its successor. However, Azure Maps faces connectivity challenges in certain regions, potentially disrupting data visualization workflows.
This transition doesn't need to hinder your data visualization capabilities. We present two robust alternatives to ensure seamless geographical data representation in your Power BI reports.
Option 1: Leveraging Power BI's Built-in Shape Map
Power BI's native Shape Map visual offers a straightforward solution requiring no additional plugins. This underutilized feature excels at displaying regional data such as sales by province or population density.
The Shape Map provides a simplified approach to geographical visualization, with comprehensive documentation available in Power BI's official technical resources for quick implementation.
Option 2: Custom SVG Maps with Synoptic Panel
For users requiring more sophisticated map customization, combining SVG maps with the Synoptic Panel custom visual presents a powerful alternative. While the latest version of Synoptic Panel requires payment, historical versions remain available for free use.
To implement this solution:
1. In Power BI Desktop, navigate to "More visuals" > "From my file"
2. Select the locally saved .pbiviz file to import the visual
After adding the Synoptic Panel to your canvas:
1. Populate required fields (e.g., region abbreviations)
2. Use the "Local Maps" function to load SVG map files
3. Customize display properties through the formatting panel
Numerous free SVG map resources are available online, which can be adapted to meet specific visualization requirements while maintaining compliance with regional mapping standards.
Conclusion: Adapting to Evolving Visualization Tools
The retirement of Bing Maps in Power BI presents an opportunity to explore more flexible visualization options. Whether opting for the simplicity of Shape Maps or the customization potential of SVG solutions, users can maintain effective geographical data representation without interruption.