ArcGIS Map not updating class min/max values automatically

[ksheth]

Hello,

I have an ArcGIS map in my report that I have set up to use "Natural Breaks" for color classification. However, I have noticed that the min/max values for each class do not automatically update when I refresh my data or apply any slicers/filters. I have to manually toggle the number of classes every single time I refresh for the classifications to update to reflect my new data. And then I have to manually close the layer key displayed on the map and re-open it for the numbers to reflect the updated class values. I'd really like this to be an automatic process since my dashboard is meant to be published.

I have seen threads where this has been identified as a bug previously but have not seen how to resolve this issue. Has anyone been able to fix this or create an easy workaround?

[v-sgandrathi]

Hi @ksheth,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community forum.

Manual Refresh of Class Breaks

To force ArcGIS Maps to recalculate min/max ranges:

Open the Symbol style pane.

Change the Number of classes (e.g., from 5 to 4), then switch it back.

Or switch the Classification method to a different one and revert to the original.

This forces ArcGIS to re-evaluate the dataset and update the class breaks, but it is manual and not suitable for published reports.

Alternative use: Use Built-in Power BI Maps or Custom Visuals

If dynamic classification is critical to your use case, consider alternatives such as:

Shape Map

Mapbox

Custom choropleth visuals

These options may offer better support for auto-updating classification logic with DAX-driven bins.

For further reading and confirmation, refer to :
Create an ArcGIS map in Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Thank you,
Sahasra.

[ksheth]

Hi Sahasra,

Thank you for your response. It seems like I'll need to look into one of the alternatives because it is critical to my report that the classification thresholds are dynamic and update with each refresh. 

Are there any plans to address this issue with ArcGIS maps? It seems like this is a feature that many people have been requesting...

[v-sgandrathi]

Hi @ksheth,

You're right, dynamic classification thresholds are a key requirement for many Power BI users working with geospatial data.

At this time, ArcGIS Maps for Power BI does not automatically recalculate class breaks in response to filters, slicers, or dataset refreshes.

Microsoft is actively working to improve ArcGIS Maps for Power BI, and this limitation has already been recognized through community feedback. At this time, there has not been an official update or timeline provided for dynamic reclassification support.

We recommend submitting this feature request on the Power BI Ideas forum as community input is a key factor in determining future enhancements.
Fabric Ideas - Microsoft Fabric Community

Thank you.

[v-sgandrathi]

Hi @ksheth,

Just checking in to see if you had a chance to review the suggested solution. If it addressed your issue, please consider marking it as accepted, it could benefit other members facing similar challenges. Always happy to assist

.

Thank you.

[rajendraongole1]

Hi @ksheth  - create a DAX-calculated custom classification that groups values based on percentile or custom logic.

eg: 

ZipCode_Group =
SWITCH(
TRUE(),
[Value] <= 3, "Low",
[Value] <= 7, "Medium",
[Value] <= 11, "High",
"Very High"
)

use this for color classification column, instead of measure.

Reference Links:

https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-for-power-bi-questions/latest-arcgis-for-powerbi-update-is-bug-...

https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Desktop/ArcGIS-Map-Does-not-Filter-via-Slicer/td-p/3121635

Hope this helps.

[ksheth]

Hi Rajendra,

Thank you for the suggestion, but I do not want static cut-off values. I need them to update dynamically based on how my data changes each week. Do you have any suggestions for this?

[burakkaragoz · Accepted solution]

Hi @ksheth ,

yeah this is a known issue with ArcGIS visuals in Power BI. when you use “natural breaks” for classification, the min/max values don’t auto-update when you apply slicers or refresh the data. kinda annoying, especially if you're planning to publish the report.

what usually works:

• toggling the number of classes (like you said) forces a refresh
• switching to another classification method (like equal interval) and then back also helps sometimes

but yeah, it’s not ideal. if you need something more dynamic:

• try using a different classification method (some are more responsive)
• or consider using another map visual like Azure Maps or Mapbox if auto-updating is critical

this has been flagged before but I haven’t seen a proper fix yet. might be worth logging it again on the Power BI Ideas site.

let me know if you want to test a workaround together.

If my response resolved your query, kindly mark it as the Accepted Solution to assist others. Additionally, I would be grateful for a 'Kudos' if you found my response helpful.
*This response was supported by AI for translation and text editing purposes.

[ksheth]

Hi @burakkaragoz ,

Thank you for your suggestions. I have actually tried using quantiles as well, but I experience the same problem of the class threshold values not updating automatically. I still have to manually toggle between the number of classes.

I'm not super familiar with the other mapping options you mentioned (still a bit of a newbie to PowerBI), do you have any more information you can share?