In the Using maps to select data of an area or country recipe in Chapter 3, From a Static to an Interactive Dashboard, we introduced the standard map options that SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards offers. Then, in the Displaying alerts on a map recipe in Chapter 5, Using Alerts, we discussed how to use alerts on these maps. Centigon Solutions raised the bar on this topic and introduced the CMaps plugin for SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards.

With this add-on, we can completely integrate Google Maps in a dashboard in SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards. This means that we can use the graphics we know from Google Maps (map, satellite, hybrid, terrain, and so on) and functionalities such as zooming in or out on a map. Furthermore, the CMaps plugin integrates with other SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards components. We can make selections from a map region and display alerts, single points (such as cities or buildings), and heat maps on the map.

This recipe will introduce...