QlikView is a powerful business intelligence tool that allows users to visualize data and gain insights quickly. One of the most useful features in QlikView is the ability to apply maps to your data. Maps can help you identify geographic trends and patterns, which can be particularly important for businesses with a physical presence in multiple locations. In this article, we will provide a beginner's guide to applying maps in QlikView.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
QlikView is a powerful business intelligence tool that allows users to visualize data and gain insights quickly. One of the most useful features in QlikView is the ability to apply maps to your data. Maps can help you identify geographic trends and patterns, which can be particularly important for businesses with a physical presence in multiple locations. In this article, we will provide a beginner's guide to applying maps in QlikView.
What is a Map in QlikView?
In QlikView, a map is a visual representation of data that is tied to a geographic location. Maps can be used to show data points on a map, display regions or territories, and highlight trends across different regions. Maps in QlikView are powered by a mapping engine that integrates with third-party mapping services like Google Maps or Bing Maps.
How to Add a Map in QlikView
Adding a map to your QlikView dashboard is easy. First, you need to ensure that your data contains geographic information, such as latitude and longitude coordinates or zip codes. Next, you will need to add a map object to your dashboard. To do this, click on the "Map" button in the "Objects" pane and drag and drop it onto your dashboard.
Map Settings
Once you have added a map object to your dashboard, you can customize its settings to fit your needs. You can choose which mapping service to use, set the zoom level, and adjust the map's appearance. You can also add layers to the map, such as street maps, terrain maps, or satellite imagery.
Adding Data to the Map
After you have added a map object to your dashboard and customized its settings, you can add data to the map. To do this, you need to associate your data with geographic locations. You can do this by adding a field to your data that contains geographic information, such as a zip code or city name. Once you have added this field to your data, you can drag and drop it onto the map object to visualize your data on the map.
Benefits of Using Maps in QlikView
There are several benefits to using maps in QlikView. First, maps provide a visual representation of data that can be easier to understand than numerical data. Maps can also help identify trends and patterns that may not be immediately obvious in numerical data. Additionally, maps can help businesses make better decisions by providing insights into geographic trends and customer behavior.
Common Map Types in QlikView
There are several common map types that can be used in QlikView:
Point Map
A point map displays data points on a map. This is useful for visualizing the location of stores, customers, or other geographic data points.
Bubble Map
A bubble map is similar to a point map, but it uses bubbles of different sizes to represent the data. This can be useful for showing data that varies in magnitude, such as sales revenue or population density.
Choropleth Map
A choropleth map displays data by shading different regions based on the data values. This is useful for showing data that is tied to specific regions or territories, such as state-by-state sales data.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my own maps in QlikView?
A: Yes, you can use your own maps in QlikView. QlikView supports a variety of mapping services, including Google Maps and Bing Maps, but you can also add your own custom maps if you have the necessary geographic data.
Q: How do I add layers to my map?
A: To add layers to your map, click on the "Layers" button in the map object's toolbar. From there, you can select the layers you want to add, such as street maps, terrain maps, or satellite imagery.
Q: Can I use maps in QlikView on mobile devices?
A: Yes, you can use maps in QlikView on mobile devices. QlikView's mapping engine is designed to work on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Q: How do I ensure my data is accurate on the map?
A: To ensure your data is accurate on the map, you need to ensure that your data contains accurate geographic information. This can include latitude and longitude coordinates, zip codes, or city names. You should also ensure that your map settings are configured correctly, such as the zoom level and map projection.
Q: What are some best practices for using maps in QlikView?
A: Some best practices for using maps in QlikView include ensuring that your data contains accurate geographic information, customizing your map settings to fit your needs, and using appropriate map types for your data. You should also keep in mind that maps are just one tool in your data visualization toolkit, and they should be used in conjunction with other visualizations to gain a comprehensive understanding of your data.
Conclusion
Maps are a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data in QlikView. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can add maps to your QlikView dashboard and gain insights into your data that might not be immediately obvious from numerical data alone. Whether you are a business owner or a data analyst, maps can help you make better decisions and gain a deeper understanding of your data.
