How to create a dot map in Tableau

Dot maps are a great way to visualise where the highest concentration of data is located on a map.

Let us then see how to build step-by-step a dot map showing sales by city and state on the US map from the Sample Superstore data.

Step 1. Create a dot map

1. Connect to the data source Sample – Superstore.
2. Drop City on the view. A map with dots will appear. On the lower right side, you will notice a number of unknowns.

3. Click on the number of unknowns. Select Edit locations. In the State/Province dropdown menu, select From Field: State.

4. Reduce the size of the dots from Size in the Marks card.
5. Drag Sales on Color in the Marks card. You can change the color of the dots if you wish.
6. Click at the top on Map > Background layers. Select Normal in Style. Done!

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