Here’s how to create a 3D map…
No fancy-schmancy tools, just the trusty ol’ Microsoft Excel
Recently, I was trying to create a 3D map to visualize data (working with data regarding US states). Initially, I had my attention turned to Tableau. While it was easy to generate a map (Tableau automatically recognizes the states), it wasn’t quite intuitive for me to generate a multi-variable map. Even with the overlay and dual-axis option, it was quite tough to conceptualize the link between the variables. On top of that, I don’t think we could generate a 3D map on Tableau.
I guess 3D visualizations might not be the best form of representation especially considering our screens and displays are all 2-dimensional. 3D might not be all that intuitive for everyone nor would it be ideal to capture and translate most data, but I still felt that it could be useful if used sparingly and for the right context.
And that’s when I decided to explore Excel. I already had knowledge that Excel has a mapping function, and upon further exploring, I came across the 3D mapping function. And that is the purpose of this post. Most people aren’t aware of this rather obscure tool. So I would like to introduce this tool to more people and below is a useful guide on how you can go about setting up this 3D map tool for whoever wants to explore this function in greater detail. Unfortunately, this feature is not available on macOS as at the time of writing.
Step 1: Enable Developer Tab
The Developer tab on Excel is not viewable by default. All you have to do is File > Options > Customize Ribbon. Under the Main Tabs, check the Developer box.
Step 2: Enable Power Map and Power Pivot
Next, under the Developer Tab at the Add-ins section click on COM Add-ins (you can see it in the image above). Check on the Power Pivot and Power Map boxes as shown in the image below. You should now see a Power Pivot tab on your ribbon!
Step 3: Format your data as a table
If your data is not already formatted as a table, fret not! This step should be easy, Under Home > Format as Table and you’re done!
Step 4: Add to Data Model
Select your data and under Power Pivot > Add to Data Model
Step 5: Create your 3D map!
The moment you’ve been finally waiting for! Under the Insert tab, select 3D Map as shown in the image below! Now a new window of sorts should open. And voila! You’re done!
Since I was working with US states, Excel automatically recognizes it as states. But in any case that it doesn’t, under the layer pane just ensure that your state(s) or any other geographical location is correctly categorized from the dropdown menu as shown in the image below!
It is quite an interesting tool, although the image above shows a 2D representation of a multi-variable data set, you can actually make it into a 3D visualization very easily (referring to the above image, just above location field in the layer pane, you will see data — click on the stacked column, or the first icon).
Now while not ideal in all situations, it is an interesting tool to have on hand and you might never know — knowing how to utilize this might come in handy one day! So, just go out there and explore all the features that the 3D map on Excel has to offer!
