How to Create a Bubble Map for Data Visualization

Quick answer

Bubble maps turn complex location-based data into clear visual insights by using proportional circles to represent values across geographic areas. These powerful visualization tools can help you quickly identify patterns, compare performance across regions, and make smarter data-driven decisions.

Here's how you can create effective bubble maps:

Prepare location-enhanced data: Ensure your dataset includes accurate location information and numeric values for bubble sizing
Select the right mapping tool: Choose platforms based on data compatibility, ease of use, customization options, and team collaboration features
Plot and configure bubble metrics: Import data, assign location fields, and link bubble sizes to your key performance indicators
Apply visualization best practices: Scale bubbles proportionally, minimize overlap, add clear legends, and use colors strategically
Analyze and share insights: Identify patterns and outliers, collaborate with stakeholders, and export for reports and presentations

What is a Bubble Map?

A bubble map is a type of map that summarizes data levels in a specific region. It does this by creating different-sized circles that represent the value of your information. The larger the circle (or “bubble”), the higher the value.

For example, you can create a bubble map to display your sales revenue in a specific city, where the most prominent bubble represents the highest sales.

Bubble maps are a great way to show location-based data using proportions. Sales, marketing, and operations use bubble maps to communicate complex data to other stakeholders. Bubble maps are easy to understand, making them excellent tools for presenting in-depth data in reports and presentations.

Bubble maps are perfect for data analysts, sales and marketing teams, and revenue ops:

Sales managers: Analyze sales patterns and identify new areas for growth
Marketing managers: Analyze customer buying patterns or densities for events or campaigns
Operations managers: Identify customer clusters near distribution centers and refine their supply chains

At a glance, you gain new data-backed insights that can improve your decisions.

Curious about other types of data visualization? Read more about the different types of business maps.

Why Use a Bubble Map For
Business Intelligence?

Bubble maps transform raw location-based data into strategic insights, helping you make decisions and solve problems. They can give you a competitive edge in market analysis, operational planning, and performance tracking.

1. Visualize complex data

Bubble maps simplify complex datasets by displaying metrics in a visual way that's easy to interpret
Geographic context helps you quickly understand trends without sifting through text-heavy spreadsheets

Initial pin map

Bubble map

2. Support smarter decisions

With the information you gain from bubble map data visualization, you can make informed decisions that help you allocate resources more efficiently. For example, you can prioritize high-revenue regions or identify underperforming areas that need improvement.

3. Spot patterns and outliers

Bubble mapping for business reveals recurring patterns and highlights gaps or anomalies, such as unexpected sales growth or decline in certain areas.

4. Boost team collaboration

Bubble maps are easy to interpret, meaning team members across multiple departments or with different levels of data expertise can engage with the information on equal footing
When used in collaborative tools or dashboards, bubble maps allow teams to explore scenarios, share insights, and align strategies more effectively

How to Make a Bubble Map

Want to create a bubble map but not sure where to start? It’s easier than you think.

Step 1

Prepare Location-enhanced Data

Make sure your dataset includes:

Location data: Addresses, city/state, or ZIP codes
Numeric data: The values you want to visualize as bubble sizes (e.g., sales or customer population)

Step 2

Choose a User-friendly Mapping Tool

When choosing a tool to create a bubble map, consider a few key factors:

Data compatibility: Can it import data from your sources?
User interface: Is it drag-and-drop or code-based?
Templates and guides: Are there pre-built templates to help you get started?
Training resources: Does it offer tutorials, customer support, or community forums?
Real-time updates: Does it sync with live databases?
Customization: Can you adjust elements like bubble sizes, colors, labels, and layers for added clarity?
Team access: Can multiple users edit or comment in real time?
Analytical depth: Does it offer advanced tools (e.g., predictive analytics)?
Scalability: Can it handle growing datasets or global operations?
Value for money: What mapping tool pricing can you expect to pay?

Step 3

Plot Locations and Set Bubble Metrics

Import your dataset into the chosen tool
Assign latitude/longitude fields or location names
Ensure the tool correctly geocodes your data
Link the bubble diameter to your numeric metric (e.g., larger bubbles = higher sales)

Step 4

Customize for Clarity and Insight

Base map: Choose a minimalist background to avoid visual clutter
Labels: Add city/region names or metric values on hover/click
Colors: Use color to represent your metrics (e.g., red = low sales, green = high sales)
Legend: Explain the bubble sizes and colors
Annotations: Highlight key insights

Step 5

Analyze, Collaborate, and Share Results

Look for patterns and outliers on your bubble map
Invite your team to view the map and add their own comments
Export your map and add it to the relevant stakeholder reports and presentations

Best Practices for Bubble Map Visualization

The ideal example of a bubble map should follow a few key guidelines to ensure it's as clear and informative as possible:

1. Scale bubbles correctly

Your bubbles or circles should be sized proportionally based on area to accurately reflect values. Misleading sizes will distort viewers' interpretation of your map.

2. Reduce overlap

Overlapping bubbles make it difficult to distinguish between data points and may also hide important information. You can minimize overlap by using features like transparency or interactive zoom.

3. Add legends and labels

Legends and labels provide context by explaining what the bubble sizes, colors, or positions mean. This makes it easier for viewers to interpret the data you're presenting.

4. Use colors and filters

Color and filtering tools help guide the viewers' attention and uncover insights in complex datasets.

You can use colors to highlight patterns, groupings, or outliers in your data
Use filters to group your data into specific subsets

Tools to Create Bubble Maps

Here are some of the best bubble map visualization tools available:

1. eSpatialNo GIS Experience Required

eSpatial is a powerful mapping software designed for users with little to no geographic information system (GIS) background. The tool's intuitive interface makes mapping easy for non-technical teams. You can create a bubble map that's clear and professional without any specialized training.

Radius map, Dallas

2. TableauAdvanced Analytics

Tableau allows users to layer geographic data with charts, filters, and calculated fields. With powerful data exploration capabilities, it's ideal for uncovering patterns and driving insights from complex datasets — though it may require more experience or training to navigate effectively.

3. Power BIBusiness Intelligence Integration

Power BI integrates mapping directly into broader business intelligence dashboards. It allows teams to view geographic data alongside KPIs, reports, and real-time metrics, although its mapping capabilities are somewhat limited compared to dedicated tools like eSpatial.

4. Google SheetsSimple Use Cases

Google Sheets is suitable for lightweight mapping tasks, such as plotting basic location data using add-ons or integrations. Its simplicity makes it useful for quick bubble map visualizations.

5. Mapbox and other GIS platforms

Mapbox and similar GIS platforms offer advanced geographic mapping capabilities, ideal for projects requiring precision, customization, and spatial analysis.

Get Started With Location-driven
Data Visualization

To summarize, a bubble map makes it easy to quickly spot spatial patterns, compare data across locations, and identify outliers. It makes complex information more digestible and helps you with informed, location-based decision-making. Its interactive features improve collaboration across teams.

Are you looking to create a bubble map now that you know how it can benefit you and your business? Sign up for a free trial and learn how to make a bubble map with eSpatial today.

How to Create a Bubble Map to Visualize Data

What is a Bubble Map?