Create and use a heat map

Create a heat map to visualize areas with the most point features as the hottest. Heat maps help answer questions about your data, such as: How is it distributed?

Heat maps are more of a visual aid than an accurate way to show point density, and they're best used in conjunction with another visualization type, such as a time series chart. As a general rule, if your map has more than 2,000 points, apply a density calculation and map the calculated result instead of creating a heat map.

Example

A retail chain is trying to decide which region of California has the most potential for high sales volume and should have new store branches added. The market researcher uses a heat map to quickly determine the areas where the revenue is highest.

Create a heat map

To create a heat map, complete the following steps:

1. Drag a point dataset to the page and drop it on the Map drop zone.

   Note:

   You can also create a map by selecting a field and clicking the Map button above the data pane.

2. Expand the legend to display the Layer options pane.
3. Browse to the Symbology tab .
4. Change Symbol type to Heat map.

Usage notes

The Layer options pane is accessible by clicking the arrow next to the layer name and includes the following configuration options:

• Use the Legend tab to view the color palette in relation to high and low values.
• Use the Symbology tab to change the field displayed on the map or switch to a different type of map.
• Use the Appearance tab to do the following:
  • Symbols—Adjust the color palette and layer transparency.
  • Layer effects—Enable bloom and drop shadow effects.
• Use the Attributes tab to view details for features that are selected on the map.

Click the Flip card button to turn the map card over. The back of the card includes a count of features and a text box for a description of the map.

Resources

Use the following resources to learn more:

• Create a map
• Map layer options
• View pop-ups