Drilldown map in Tableau
When working with a map that has multiple data layers in Tableau, it can be challenging to analyze individual measures, especially with overlapping layers. This is where drill-down functionality comes in handy, allowing you to focus on specific visual levels for deeper insights.
Below is a map displaying two overlapping data layers, each representing a different measure.
We can separate this map into two distinct maps with different levels of detail. One map will cover a broader range, focusing on the Greater Sydney area, while the other will provide a more detailed view of a specific suburb.
<Greater Sydney Level Map: Displays one measure as filled areas across suburbs>
<Local Suburb Level Map: Provides a detailed view with a different measure represented as points>
How to build map drill down action
To enable drill-down on a map, we need to set up a parameter that determines which element or area to explore further. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a suburb-level drill-down map with more detailed insights.
1. Create a Parameter for selecting a specific suburb.
2. Create a Calculated Field with a boolean measure to check if a suburb matches the selected one.
3. Prepare Two Separate Maps:
- One map displaying all suburbs.
- Another map focuses on the selected suburb.
- Ensure the second map has the calculated field (“Suburb Match”) applied as a filter so only the matching suburb is shown.
4. Place Both Maps in a Dashboard:
- Position them in the same location.
- Build a layer hierarchy to overlap them effectively.
5. Build a Dashboard Action:
- Create a Parameter Action with the following settings:
- Select both map sheets in the Source Sheets section.
- Set Current Suburb as the Target Parameter.
- Choose the Suburb field in the Source Field section.
- Change Run action on to Select.
6. Adjust the Visibility of the Detailed Map (Suburb Map):
- Create a Calculated Field that checks for an empty selection using a boolean condition.
- In the Layout settings, enable Control visibility using value and select the newly created field.
Final Step: Enabling the Drill-Down Action
With these steps completed, the drill-down functionality is now ready to use. When a suburb is selected on the broader Sydney map, the detailed suburb map will automatically update and become visible. This allows for seamless exploration, enabling users to transition between an overview of all suburbs and an in-depth analysis of a specific area.