Issues Generating R-based HTML Widget Visual

[IBGuy35]

Hello Community!

I'm currently attempting to create a bubble map with a layer underneath of custom regions via a geojson file (or a shapefile). I saw Azure maps and created the visual I wanted, but I do not want to pay for it unless necessary. I have also tried the Icon map custom visual, but it doesn't quite have the functionality I'm looking for.

To circumnavigate this, I am attempting to use R to generate an interactive plotly visual, using this blog post as a guide: https://radacad.com/interactive-map-using-r-and-power-bi-create-custom-visual-part-1

However, having followed the instructions, I find myself at a dead end. I'm able to download the relevant files, install the package as well as the visual in PBI itself, but when I include the visual in a report I get the following output:

So I have 2 questions:

First, how can I troubleshoot the custom visual I am using here? How can I determine what the issue is? I've tested to make sure the data was included, which it is.

Second, is there an free custom visual that will allow me to put a local geojson file as a layer underneath a traditional bubble map with the capacity to include size, category, and non-summarized lat/long coordinates?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[j-murray]

Hello,

Unfortunately, this is a known (to some) issue with pbiviz versions 4.0.6+. I struggled with this same issue and eventually realized the rhtml powerbi-visuals-tools template simply doesn't work in the more recent versions. I have a couple posts that dicuss this issue: 

https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Custom-Visuals-Development/RHTML-Template-Blank-not-rendering-issue...

https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Developer/Issue-with-R-plotly-in-pbiviz-versions-4-0-6/m-p/2940046

The short answer is you need to re-install powerbi-visuals-tools and specify you want version 4.0.5 (powerbi-visuals-tools@4.0.5 instead of @latest), then you should be able to create a working visual by following along the guide you linked.

Hope this helps!

[IBGuy35]

Hello,

Thanks for your reply! I've tried it out, but it looks as though it requires the learning of Vega/Vega lite. While I am trying it out, I would still like help figuring out why the custom visual outputs a blank graphic. Do you know how I can go about debugging it? What information can I use to better understand what's happening?

[lbendlin]

Have you considered using Deneb's map features?

[IBGuy35]

Thanks for your reply! I've tried it out, but it looks as though it requires the learning of Vega/Vega lite. While I am trying it out, I would still like help figuring out why the custom visual outputs a blank graphic. Do you know how I can go about debugging it? What information can I use to better understand what's happening?

[lbendlin]

A blank visual usually means that you are attempting to use your own renderer (plotting device). That is not supported. See the list of limitations.

Create Power BI visuals using R - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

[IBGuy35]

That makes sense, but then why was the blog I referenced able to work? If we are using the same process (which I imagine means the same renderer), then why might mine fail where they succeed? Is there any log or trace that I can follow to better understand where the hangups might be?