Connecting map markers with lines

Use lines to connect markers on a map to show the movement of people or items from one specified location to another.

Perform this task in Edit mode for a map chart visualization displayed in Spotfire Business Author.

Prerequisites

The map chart must have a marker layer applied.

Because the line connection works by row, the data should contain values that indicate the start location and values that indicate end locations. Line connections are useful for showing a connection between locations, or the flow of items or people on a map. For example, your start location could be designated as distribution center, and your end locations as stores.

Procedure

  1. Right-click the map chart visualization, and from the menu, click Properties.
    The Properties popover is displayed, with the Map chart popover showing the current layers, in their layer order, top to bottom.
  2. From the map chart layer list, select the marker layer.
  3. Optional: Configure the properties for the markers (shape, size, and color) for clarity.
  4. Optional: If any of the markers overlay each other, or are too close to distinguish, consider applying jittering.
  5. Click Line connection.

Example of connecting markers with lines

The following image shows a plan to visit, in order of location, a few of the historically interesting sites in New York State. The line connection is applied according to latitude, starting at Oyster Bay in the south and going north to Schenectady. The lines are colored red, positioned in the background, and arrows indicate the proposed direction of travel. The markers are colored by value, with labels to indicate the name of the historical site.

line connections in a map chart

See also Example: Line connection in a marker layer.