Unlocking Azure Maps: Discover the Top 4 Hidden Features

Pragmatic Works' latest installment in the "Map Magic" video series, hosted by Greg Trzeciak, delves into the transformative capabilities of Azure map visualizations. This session is aimed at enhancing the viewers' understanding and utilization of Azure Maps, particularly beneficial for those involved in geographic data analysis. Greg's tutorial promises to reveal hidden functionalities that elevate map visualizations to new heights, making them more dynamic and insightful.

Special Promotion

Before diving into the core content, Greg announces an enticing promotional offer:

• Viewers can save 40% on an annual On Demand Learning subscription with the code pragGreg40.
• This subscription provides access to over 100 courses, focusing on various tools including Power BI for finance and Universal Design.

Overview of Azure Map Visualization

The video serves as a practical guide, showing how to transition from basic map visualizations to more advanced and interactive Azure Maps. Greg emphasizes the importance of geographic data in our globally interconnected society and demonstrates the enhancements Azure Maps bring to data visualization.

Key Features of Azure Maps

Greg introduces four innovative features within Azure Maps that users can leverage to maximize their data visualization impact:

1. Map Settings and Controls
   • Greg highlights how users can access various controls such as word wrap, style picker, and navigation tools.
   • The selection pane is particularly emphasized, which, when enabled, allows users to interact with the map more dynamically, enhancing user engagement and analysis capabilities.
2. Range Selection
   • This feature enables users to define a search area within the map by time or distance, which is useful for determining accessibility and connectivity.
   • For example, setting a pin in Chicago and selecting a 120-minute range shows how far one can travel from that point within the specified time, taking into account factors like traffic and road access.
3. Traffic Layer
   • The traffic layer provides real-time traffic data, which Greg verifies against other traffic monitoring tools for accuracy.
   • This feature is useful for logistical planning and real-time decision-making, providing insights into traffic conditions that could impact travel or shipping times.
4. 3D Columns
   • The 3D column feature brings a visual depth to the map, representing data such as bank failures by state or city in a more visually engaging manner.
   • Greg switches between city-state and state-only views to show how data grouping affects the visualization, making it easier to identify trends and patterns at a glance.
5. Reference Layers
   • Reference layers allow for the integration of additional data sets, such as census tracks, onto the Azure map.
   • Greg demonstrates uploading a GeoJSON file for Colorado, overlaying census data onto the map to analyze the distribution of bank failures, illustrating how urban versus rural settings can be compared effectively.

Advanced Learning Opportunities

Towards the end of the video, Greg mentions the advanced Power BI boot camp offered by Pragmatic Works. This course delves deeper into custom map creation and sophisticated data visualization techniques, tailored for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in geographic data analysis.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Greg encourages viewers to continue exploring the capabilities of Azure Maps. He highlights the importance of these tools in providing actionable insights and making informed decisions based on geographic data. The session not only offers a deep dive into hidden features but also encourages viewers to apply these tools in practical, real-world scenarios.

Pragmatic Works, through sessions like these, continues to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in data-driven environments. For those interested in furthering their understanding of Azure Maps and other data visualization tools, the advanced boot camp and the wealth of courses available through our On Demand learning platform are invaluable resources.

In summary, Greg's tutorial exemplifies Pragmatic Works' commitment to providing high-quality, practical training that empowers professionals to transform raw data into compelling visual stories that drive decision-making and insight.

Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Azure Maps and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.