topic Re: Shape map in Custom Visuals Development Discussion

Shape map

Delgirluk77 — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 20:34:23 GMT

Hi all, I have a dataset covering the northwest of england with the fields postcode, LSOA code, IMD Decile 1 - 10, and referrals count. I want to show a map in powerbi that colours areas based on the IMD Decile 1 - 10, and also show the referrals as dots against the postcodes on the map. Can't get anything to show on the map though, any ideas please?

Re: Shape map

lbendlin — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 01:18:14 GMT

Did you create the topojson file with the appropriate shapes and attributes?

Re: Shape map

Delgirluk77 — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 10:58:15 GMT

No, this is the first time I'm using a shape map. The youtube video i watched didn't mention topojson files. How do i do this please?

Re: Shape map

Delgirluk77 — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:05:09 GMT

Thank you @lbendlin

I have now created a Shape map that includes LSOA and IMD Deciles as the colour saturation. The 2nd part I wanted to do was plot referral count onto the same map to show as a dot for each referral, but it doesn't look like this is possible - anyone have any ideas if this can be done please?

Re: Shape map

grognard — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 14:21:29 GMT

You can get the geojson (not to be confused with topojson) from here by selecting "download" then finding the "geojson" option), you can then drag and drop that map into a tool called mapshaper to convert the geojson to topojson. More in depth instructions are provided on Microsoft Learn.

Once you are done that you can set your map type to "Custom map" and use the "Add a map type" > "Browse" option to find the file the topojson file. if everything works correctly your LSOA codes will coresspond with regions of your map and you will be able to "bin" your data based on location.

This video here goes into more detail.

Re: Shape map

lbendlin — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 17:01:36 GMT

Follow @grognard 's suggestion. Make sure not to lose the attributes during the mapshaper conversion.

To overlay non-shapes you may have to use a different chart type like Azure Maps that supports both topo shapes and markers. Otherwise use tooltips.