Maps are one of the most eye-catching visualizations available in any BI tool. Unfortunately, these objects are frequently misused and end up serving only as decoration. Whether you use a specialized platform, such as GeoQlik or QlikMaps, a custom-built extension object or borrow the Google API, these recommendations might be useful while implementing geographic visualizations:
Just as with any other chart, the inclusion of maps should be based on whether or not they add something valuable to the dashboard.
Select the most adequate representation depending on your data. Many tools let the designer choose between choropleth, isopleth, dot, and proportional symbols maps.
The color palette used in these graphics should contrast with the map itself so that the metrics are clearly distinguishable from the background (no one likes to play Where's Waldo? in QlikView).
Let the color talk. Even if you use a simple bubble map, you can use color encoding to represent categorical...