Azure Maps path layer route

[bnjmnnl]

Hello!

I've just been using the Azure Map visual within logistics perspective, to provide a view of shipments based on the start and end country. I'm at the point that all routes are showing and all is working, however the lines are just lines and nothing more. Would it be possible to, for example, show the correct way so the user can see just by looking at the map what the start and end is.

[burakkaragoz]

Hi @bnjmnnl ,

You’re right,the Azure Maps Path Layer in Power BI will draw straight lines between your start and end points by default, but those lines don’t indicate direction or which point is the start/end.

Here are a couple of ways you can make the routes clearer for users:

1. Add Start/End Markers:
   Use the “Bubble Layer” or “Symbol Layer” in Azure Maps to add visible markers on your start and end locations. You can use different icons or colors for start vs. end points, so users can easily tell which is which.

2. Use Arrows for Direction:
   Currently, the path layer itself doesn’t support directional arrows. However, you can:

   • Add a symbol (like an arrow) as a point at the end location using the Symbol Layer.
   • Or, if you preprocess your data, add additional columns for direction and display a small symbol or color change at the end point to imply direction.

3. Custom Styling:
   Style your start/end markers with different shapes, sizes, or colors. For example, a green circle for “start” and a red square for “end”.

4. Tooltips:
   Enable tooltips so when the user hovers over a point, it shows if it’s a start or end location (or other shipment info).

Summary:

• Use layers to clearly mark start and end points.
• Use different icons/colors for visual clarity.
• Add direction hints with symbols or data preprocessing if needed.

Let me know if you need an example or want help setting up the data for this!

[bnjmnnl]

Thank you for your quick response! Where would I find the Symbol layer as I cannot see this one

[burakkaragoz · Accepted solution]

Hi @bnjmnnl ,

The “Symbol Layer” is a feature available in Azure Maps (the full Azure Maps Web SDK and in some advanced Azure Maps visualizations), but unfortunately, in the current Power BI Azure Map visual, only the “Bubble Layer” and “Bar Layer” are exposed in the user interface. The “Symbol Layer” itself might not be directly accessible from the Power BI visual at this time.

What you can do in Power BI’s Azure Map visual:

• Use the “Bubble Layer” to plot markers for your start and end points.
• You can customize marker size, color, and even use different shapes/icons if your dataset provides a field for legend/category.
• To visually distinguish start vs. end, add a column in your data that labels each point as “Start” or “End,” then use this as the “Legend” field in the visual.
• For direction, while you can’t use an actual arrow, you can use color or marker size to hint at direction (e.g., green for start, red for end).

If you need more advanced symbol control (like arrows):

• You would need to use the Azure Maps API directly (outside Power BI), or request this feature via the Power BI Ideas forum.

Summary:

• In Power BI, use the Bubble Layer + Legend to visually represent start/end.
• If you need true symbol/arrow overlays, it’s currently a limitation of the visual.

Let me know if you’d like a step-by-step on setting up the legend for this, or if you have another scenario in mind!
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