Maps in Power BI: From Basic Geography to Production-Ready Spatial Analytics

Maps are one of the most requested—and most misused—visuals in Power BI. Many reports rely on default map visuals without fully understanding geocoding behavior, data modeling requirements, performance implications, or when a map adds real analytical value.

This session helps move us beyond “drop a field on a map” and into designing reliable, scalable, enterprise‑ready spatial analytics in Power BI. We’ll break down when to use built‑in map visuals versus Azure Maps and Shape Maps, how to model geographic data to avoid common mapping errors, and how to work with custom boundaries like sales territories, service areas, and districts—all through practical, production-tested patterns.

Rather than GIS theory, this talk focuses on real-world architectural guidance: understanding Power BI’s mapping options and tradeoffs, preparing and governing geographic data at scale, and designing maps that perform well, earn stakeholder trust, and hold up in production environments.

You’ll leave the event with:

• A clear understanding of Power BI’s mapping options and tradeoffs

• Recommendations for preparing and modeling geographic data

• Guidance on custom shapes, performance, and governance

• Real‑world patterns you can apply immediately in production reports