Create and use a unique values map

Unique values maps use unique symbols to style distinct categories in your map, so you can see where point, line, and area features are located and what type they are, such as tree species or restaurant types. Unique values maps help you answer questions, such as: Where is it located? How is it distributed?

Unique values maps can handle up to 100 unique categories, applying a unique color to each. Categories exceeding 100 are put into an Others category.

Example

A small retail chain wants to expand throughout the region and is looking at prospective sites for new stores. The marketers know that the dominant demographic group that shops at the store is young people under 30, especially students and recent graduates. A unique values map can be used to symbolize each prospect by the dominant Tapestry Segment in the area where the potential new store site is located.

The above map shows where each prospect is located and uses a unique color to indicate the Tapestry Segment that categorizes each prospect.

Tip:

Group related bar charts or time series charts with the same field you used to style your unique values map. That way, your interactions among the unique values map, bar chart, and line chart will show you simultaneous categorical, temporal, and spatial patterns.

Create a unique values map

To create a unique values map, complete the following steps:

1. Expand a dataset in the data pane so that the fields are visible.
2. Select a string field .

   Tip:

   You can search for fields using the search bar in the data pane.

3. Drag the field to the page and drop it on the Map drop zone. A unique values map will be created using Types (Unique symbols) as the Symbol type.

   Note:

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

   The Types (Unique symbols) smart mapping symbol type is applied by default when you create a map using a string field.

Tip:

Drag a different string field from the same dataset onto your map. Your map will update to show a unique values map using the new field.

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 unique values on the map and make selections based on the values. To change the color associated with a value, click the symbol and choose a color from the palette or enter a hex value.
• Use the Symbology tab to change the field displayed on the map or switch to a different type of map.
• Use the Annotation tab to configure the map pop-ups for the layer and enable labels.
• Use the Appearance tab to do the following:
  • Symbols—Change the symbol style properties, such as size, outline thickness and color, 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.

Use the Visualization type button to switch directly between a unique values map and other visualizations, such as a summary table, donut chart, bubble chart, or line graph.

Click the Flip card button to turn the map card over. The back of the card includes the count of each category 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