How to Create a Map in Excel (2 Easy Methods)

Microsoft Excel is a widely used software where you do numerous works with ease. Sometimes your dataset is related to geographical regions. In that case, you may use several different software to plot them on a map. But those are very time-consuming. Instead of this software, you just use Excel to create a map with your dataset. It is really easy to create a map in Excel. This article will mainly focus on how to create a map in an effective way. I hope you find this article very informative and gather a lot of knowledge regarding this issue.

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How to Create a Map in Excel: 2 Easy Ways

To create a map in Excel, we have found two different methods including the filled map chart and a 3D map. All of these methods are really easy to understand. Here, we try to give a detailed discussion of both methods. You can use one of them for your purpose.

1. Utilizing Filled Map Chart to Create a Map in Excel

Our first method is based on the filled map chart in Excel. Here, we are going to show how to create a map in Excel without using any external tools. To do this, in the first example, we take a dataset that includes some countries and the number of stores in that country. In another example, we take a dataset that includes some states of a country and the number of stores in different regions.

Example 1: Creating Map of Countries

First of all, we set some countries and the number of stores situated in there.

We want to create a map in Excel with this dataset where we can show the countries on that map and their total number of stores. You need to follow the steps carefully.

Steps

First, select the range of cells B4 to C11.

Then, go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
From the Charts group, select Maps.
Next, select the Filled Map from the drop-down list of Maps.

As a result, it will provide us following map chart of countries.

Then, click the plus (+) sign beside the map chart.
It will open up Chart Elements.
From there, select Data Labels.

As a result, it will show the total number stores of in every given country.

Now, go to the Chart Style, and select any chart style.
We take Style 3.

It will give us the following result. See the screenshot.

Next, right-click on the chart area.
From the Context menu, select Format Plot Area.

Format Data Series dialog box will appear.
In the Series Color section, select Diverging (3-color).
Next, select your preferred minimum, maximum, and mid-point colors.

As a result of this, we get the following results where the highest stores country marks as green and lowest stores country mark as Red. See the screenshot.

Example 2: Creating Map of States

First of all, we set some states of the USA and the number of stores situated in there.

We want to create a map in Excel with this dataset where we can show the countries on that map and their total number of stores. You need to follow the steps carefully.

Steps

First, select the range of cells B4 to C11.

Then, go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
From the Charts group, select Maps.
Then, select the Filled Map from the drop-down list of Maps.

As a result, it will provide us following map chart of states.

Then, click the plus (+) sign beside the map chart.
It will open up Chart Element.
Then, select Data Labels.

As a result, it will show the total number stores of in every given country.

Now, go to the Chart Style, and select any chart style.
We take Style 3.

It will give us the following result. See the screenshot.

Then, right-click on the chart area.
From the Context menu, select Format Data Series.

Format Data Series dialog box will appear.
In the Series Color section, select Diverging (3-color).
Then, select your preferred minimum, maximum, and mid-point colors.

As a result of this, we get the following results the highest stores state marks as green, and the lowest stores state marks as red. See the screenshot.

Read More: How to Map Data in Excel

2. Use of 3D Map to Create a Map in Excel

Instead of using the filled map chart, we can use a 3D map chart to create a map in Excel. Using this, we can easily get the 3D view of our required map. To demonstrate this method, we have found two effective examples through which you can have a clear view of this matter.

Example 1: Creating 3D Map of Countries

To show the countries in a 3D map, we take a similar dataset that includes the number of stores of a certain country.

To express this dataset in a 3D map in Excel, you need to follow the following steps carefully.

Steps

First, select the range of cells B4 to C11.

Next, go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
From the Tour group, select 3D Map.
Then, in the 3D Map, select Open 3D Maps.

Next, you need to launch a 3D map by clicking Tour 1. See the screenshot.

Then, our required 3D map will appear.
Next, click on Map Labels to label all the countries on the map.

Then, select the Flat Map option to have better visualization.

As a result, we will get the following Flat Map. See the screenshot.

Next, select Layer Pane from the View group.

In the Layer Pane, we need to focus on the Location section.
Then, in the Location section, select Country/Region.

Next, select Change the Visualization to Bubble For a better understanding see the screenshot.
Then, go to the Layer Options.

Next, in the Layer Options, change the Size and Color according to your preference.
Then, It will express the bubble in that way.

Finally, we get the following solution where all the stores are situated are marked properly.

Example 2: Creating 3D Map of States

Our next Example is based on the 3D map for states. In that case, we take the states of the United States. In those states, we have the number of stores of a certain company.

To express those states in a 3D map, you need to follow the following steps carefully.

Steps

First, select the range of cells B4 to C11.

Next, go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
Then, in the Tour group, select 3D Map.
After that, select Open 3D Maps from the 3D Map

Next, you need to launch a 3D map by clicking the New Tour. See the screenshot.

Then, our required 3D map will appear.
Next, click on Map Labels to label all the states on the map.

Then, select the Flat Map option to have better visualization.

As a result, we will get the following Flat Map. See the screenshot.
Next, select Layer Pane from the View group.

In the Layer Pane, we need to focus on the Location section.
In the Location section, select State/Province.

Next, select Change the Visualization to Bubble. For a better understanding see the screenshot.
Then, go to the Layer Options.

Next, in the Layer Options, change the Size and Color according to your preference.
Then, It will express the bubble in that way.

As a result, we get the following solution where all the stores are situated are marked properly.

Download Practice Workbook

Download this practice workbook.

Create a Map.xlsx

Conclusion

We have shown two different methods to create a map in Excel including a map chart and a 3D map. All of these methods are highly flexible to use. We have created a map without any external tool. I hope you enjoy the whole article and gather some valuable knowledge regarding this issue.

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How to Create a Map in Excel (2 Easy Methods)

How to Create a Map in Excel: 2 Easy Ways

1. Utilizing Filled Map Chart to Create a Map in Excel

2. Use of 3D Map to Create a Map in Excel

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