MAPS / PRACTICAL GUIDE
Bubble map: examples and when to use it
A bubble map places proportional circles at geographic locations. Circle area represents a quantity while location shows where that quantity occurs.
When to use it
Use it for store revenue, city population or quantities associated with sites. It is useful when the measure belongs to a point instead of an entire region.
When to choose another view
Use a choropleth for regional rates. Use a point map when only location matters and variable circle sizes would add no useful information.
How to read it
Compare symbol area with the size legend. A circle with twice the radius has four times the area, so doubling a radius would overstate a doubled value. Inspect overlapping locations before comparing them.
Data format and example
Latitude and longitude columns in decimal degrees, a label and a nonnegative size measure. One row represents one location.
| Store | Latitude | Longitude | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta | -6.2 | 106.85 | 220 |
| Bandung | -6.91 | 107.61 | 130 |
| Surabaya | -7.25 | 112.75 | 180 |
| Semarang | -6.97 | 110.42 | 90 |
| Denpasar | -8.65 | 115.22 | 110 |
Make it in Datamon
- Confirm latitude and longitude have not been swapped. Latitude is between −90 and 90; longitude is between −180 and 180.
- Choose Bubble map, map the coordinates and size column, and inspect the resulting locations.
- Set a useful symbol range and check overlap at the intended display size. Avoid covering every neighboring location.
- Include a size legend and units. Export at the framing that keeps the relevant geography visible.
Common mistakes to check
- The coordinate 0,0 is a real point, not a safe replacement for an unknown location.
- Missing or negative size values need review; silently taking an absolute value changes the meaning.
- Overlapping circles can hide small sites. A table or focused regional view can preserve detail.