Hi, I'm Tom Blessing. I'm an expert at helping small to mid-sized companies adopt Power BI. I'm also a recovering investment banker, with deep experience applying technology to otherwise manual data problems. I have dual degrees in Finance and Technology Management from Indiana University.

My hardware setup, available on Amazon: Acer Monitor, Dell Precision Workstation, Logitech Mouse, Canon Printer. I earn a small commission if you purchase.

One of the popular features of Power BI is its ability to create interactive maps to display geographical data.

In this blog post, I'll explore some common issues you might face with Power BI maps and provide solutions to help you get your maps back on track.

But stepping back for a second - you may feel like you need a crash course in Power BI overall, especially if you want to improve your speed and handling of creating visualizations, linking data sources, working with DAX, etc. For a short period of time, Datacamp is running a 50% off promotion on courses you should check out. I earn a small commission if you click and purchase. 

Data Errors

One of the most common reasons for Power BI maps not working correctly is data errors. If your map is not displaying data or is showing incorrect information, it's essential to double-check your data source. Here's what you can do:

Solution:

• Verify that your data source contains valid geographical data, such as latitude and longitude coordinates or well-recognized location names. 
• Ensure that the data type for your geographical field is correctly set in Power BI. 
• Check for missing or incomplete data in your geographical field, as this can lead to mapping issues.

Geocoding Problems

Geocoding is the process of converting location names or addresses into geographical coordinates. Power BI relies on accurate geocoding to display data on maps correctly. If your Power BI map is not working, it might be due to geocoding problems.

Solution:

• Verify that your location names or addresses match those recognized by the geocoding service used by Power BI.
• Consider using latitude and longitude coordinates instead of location names or addresses for better accuracy.
• Ensure your geocoding data source is up-to-date and accurate.

Here's a pretty easy bulk address-to-geocode converter if you need one:https://www.geoapify.com/tools/geocoding-online 

Map Visual Configuration

Power BI offers various options for configuring map visuals, and incorrect settings can lead to maps not displaying as expected.

Solution:

• Double-check the settings in the "Format" pane of the map visual to make sure they match your data and requirements.
• Adjust the map's zoom level, center, or size to ensure the data is displayed correctly.
• Explore different map visualizations (e.g., bubble map, filled map) to see if they better suit your data presentation needs.

Data Filters

Power BI allows users to apply data filters to their visuals. If you've applied filters that unintentionally restrict the data displayed on your map, it may appear as if the map is not working correctly.

Solution:

• Review and adjust any applied filters in the Filters pane to ensure they are not inadvertently hiding relevant data.
• Check that the filter context in your map visual is set up correctly to display the desired information.

Compatibility and Updates

Power BI receives regular updates and improvements. If you're experiencing issues with the map visual, it could be due to compatibility or outdated software.

Solution:

• Make sure you are using the latest version of Power BI. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements.
• Check for compatibility issues with custom visuals or plugins you may have added to your report. Ensure they are up to date and compatible with your Power BI version.

Conclusion

Power BI's map visual is a valuable tool for visualizing geographic data, but like any software feature, it can encounter issues.

When your Power BI map is not working as expected, it's essential to diagnose the problem and apply the appropriate solutions.

By troubleshooting data errors, geocoding problems, map visual configurations, data filters, and keeping your software up to date, you can ensure that your Power BI maps function correctly and provide valuable insights for your business or projects.