Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst AssociateVisualize and analyze the dataMedium

A data analyst is building a Power BI report for a global sales team. The report needs to display sales performance across different countries. The sales director specifically requested a visual that can quickly show sales values directly on a geographic map, with countries colored according to their sales performance (e.g., darker shade for higher sales). Which Power BI visual is best suited for this requirement?

  1. AAzure Maps visual
  2. BArcGIS Maps for Power BI
  3. CShape map
  4. DFilled map
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Filled map

A Filled map (also known as a Choropleth map) in Power BI is designed to display quantitative values by shading regions (like countries, states, or provinces) based on the value of a measure. This directly matches the requirement of coloring countries by sales performance.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Azure Maps visual is a newer, more interactive map option, but the core 'Filled map' functionality is what's needed for coloring countries by sales performance.
  • B. ArcGIS Maps offers advanced mapping capabilities but a simple 'Filled map' is sufficient for this specific requirement and is a standard Power BI visual.
  • C. A Shape map requires custom GeoJSON files for specific shapes and is less ideal for standard country-level data out-of-the-box shading.

Power BI Filled Map (Choropleth)

A Power BI Filled map, also known as a Choropleth map, displays quantitative data by coloring geographical regions (e.g., countries, states) with different shades or colors based on the value of a measure. Darker shades typically represent higher values.

  • Shades geographical regions based on a measure.
  • Requires location data (country, state, province).
  • Good for showing regional distribution of a single metric.

Memory trick: Fill the map with color, based on values you adore, see sales across every shore.

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