Need Map Visual for Power BI Report Server that Supports Custom URL Basemaps

[Mahmoud_Alashi]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently working with Power BI Report Server and facing some challenges with map visualizations. I need a map visual that can accept custom URLs for basemaps, such as OpenStreetMap, ArcGIS, or any other tile map service URL.

Here are the key points of my requirements:

1. Custom URL Basemaps: I need the ability to specify a map tile URL (e.g., OpenStreetMap, ArcGIS) as the basemap source, ideally through a Power BI custom visual.
2. Power BI Report Server Compatibility: Since Shape Map and other features are not supported in Report Server (as there are no preview features available), I'm looking for a solution that works within the constraints of Power BI Report Server.
3. ArcGIS Integration Issues: The ArcGIS visual requires an ArcGIS Online organizational account, but my organization is not using it, and public accounts are not sufficient. So I need an alternative that doesn’t require this type of account but still allows for custom map layers.

If anyone has experience with:

• A Power BI visual that allows custom basemaps via URLs
• OpenStreetMap or other map services
• Alternatives that work with Power BI Report Server (without preview features)

I'd appreciate any guidance or recommendations!

Thanks in advance!

[v-priyankata · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mahmoud_Alashi ,
We are grateful for your participation in the Microsoft Fabric Community forum.

Unfortunately, the built-in map visuals in Power BI Report Server do not directly support using custom URL basemaps. However, you can explore the following visuals and approaches, which might be useful for your requirements:

1. Icon Map Visual
   The Icon Map Visual is a custom visual that allows you to use custom basemaps, including those from OpenStreetMap and Mapbox. You can specify the URL for the tile map service, making it a flexible option for your needs. You can download the Icon Map visual from GitHub repository or from official site.
2. Mapbox Visual
   The Mapbox Visual allows for custom map layers and does not require an ArcGIS Online account. You can add the Mapbox Visual from the Power BI Marketplace or download it from the open source power BI GitHub repository.
3. Developing Custom Visuals
   If the available visuals do not fully meet your requirements, you can develop a custom visual tailored to your needs. Microsoft provides detailed documentation on creating Power BI visuals in the Power BI visuals documentation.
   
   If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Thanks,
Priyanka.

CST community member.

[Poojara_D12]

Hi @Mahmoud_Alashi 

Power BI Report Server (PBIRS) has limitations when it comes to custom map visualizations, as it does not support Shape Map, ArcGIS, or custom visuals that require internet connectivity. Since you need a solution that allows custom basemap URLs (e.g., OpenStreetMap, ArcGIS) without an ArcGIS Online account, there are a few alternatives. One option is the Synoptic Panel by OKViz, which lets you use custom SVG-based maps as backgrounds. Another approach is to pre-generate map images using external tools like Python (Folium) or R (ggplot2) and import them into Power BI as background layers. The Icon Map custom visual supports custom tile servers but is not available in PBIRS, making it less viable. You could also explore embedding an externally hosted interactive map using the Web Page Viewer visual if external web access is allowed. For organizations needing robust map support, moving to Power BI Service would provide full access to ArcGIS and other mapping features. If PBIRS is a strict requirement, using static images from external map services or vector-based SVG maps is the best workaround.

[v-priyankata]

Hi @Mahmoud_Alashi  , Just checking in as we haven’t received an update from you regarding last response. Were you able to resolve the issue?

If solution was helpful, please mark it as Accept Answer and click Yes to confirm.

Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions—we’re here to help!

Thank you for being a part of the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum!

[v-priyankata · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mahmoud_Alashi ,
We are grateful for your participation in the Microsoft Fabric Community forum.

Unfortunately, the built-in map visuals in Power BI Report Server do not directly support using custom URL basemaps. However, you can explore the following visuals and approaches, which might be useful for your requirements:

1. Icon Map Visual
   The Icon Map Visual is a custom visual that allows you to use custom basemaps, including those from OpenStreetMap and Mapbox. You can specify the URL for the tile map service, making it a flexible option for your needs. You can download the Icon Map visual from GitHub repository or from official site.
2. Mapbox Visual
   The Mapbox Visual allows for custom map layers and does not require an ArcGIS Online account. You can add the Mapbox Visual from the Power BI Marketplace or download it from the open source power BI GitHub repository.
3. Developing Custom Visuals
   If the available visuals do not fully meet your requirements, you can develop a custom visual tailored to your needs. Microsoft provides detailed documentation on creating Power BI visuals in the Power BI visuals documentation.
   
   If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Thanks,
Priyanka.

CST community member.

[Mahmoud_Alashi]

Hello @v-priyankata , 
Thanks for the detailed response. I reviewed them but still haven't tried any. Could you please tell me if any of them support offline? For example, if I have my map service on a server on-premise, can I access those maps directly with no internet connection? 

Thank you so much for the support, and I am sorry for being super late in my response. 

[v-priyankata · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mahmoud_Alashi ,

• Icon Map can work offline if you configure it to use on-premise map services.
• Mapbox maps are streamed from their cloud servers and do not provide offline support.
  
  I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you'd like to discuss this further. If this answers your question, please Accept it as a solution and give it a 'Kudos' so others can find it easily.
  Thank you.

[v-priyankata]

Hi @Mahmoud_Alashi 
I wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. If my response has addressed your query, please accept it as a solution and give a 'Kudos' so other members can easily find it.
Thank you.

[v-priyankata]

Hi @Mahmoud_Alashi  , Just checking in as we haven’t received an update from you regarding last response. Were you able to resolve the issue?

If solution was helpful, please mark it as Accept Answer and click Yes to confirm.

Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions—we’re here to help!

Thank you for being a part of the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum!