What are the data sources for Power Map ? Power BI interview questions and answers 222

What are the data sources for Power Map ? 

Power Map, now known as 3D Maps within Power BI, offers impressive possibilities for visualizing geospatial data. However, the types of data sources it can utilize differ slightly from the broader data connectivity options available in Power BI. Here's a breakdown of what Power Map can work with:

Supported Data Sources:

• Excel Tables: Tables within your Excel workbook containing geographic data like country names, state names, city names, zip codes, latitude/longitude coordinates, or addresses.

• External Data Sources: You can connect to various external data sources through Power BI Desktop, including:

• Databases: Relational databases like SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL that hold geospatial data in specific data types.

• Files: CSV, TXT, and other text files containing geographical information in specific formats.

• Web Services: Specific web services offering API access to geospatial data, like Bing Maps or OpenStreetMap.

Important Notes:

• Power Map relies on geographic properties in your data to place it on the map. Ensure your data table includes columns with country names, state names, city names, zip codes, or latitude/longitude coordinates.

• The accuracy of your map visualization depends on the granularity and accuracy of your geographic data.

• Not all data sources in Power BI are compatible with Power Map/3D Maps. Consult the official documentation for a complete list of supported sources.

Additional Tips:

• You can combine data from multiple sources within Power Map to create even richer visualizations.

• Use different map layers and custom formatting options to enhance your map's clarity and information value.

• Leverage interactive features like zooming, panning, and filtering to allow users to explore your data geographically.

Remember, utilizing the proper data sources and maximizing the potential of Power Map/3D Maps can elevate your data analysis and storytelling to visually captivating and insightful levels. If you have any further questions about specific data sources or techniques for Power Map/3D Maps, feel free to ask!