How to Create a Layer Hex Map with a Spatial File

In this tip, I show you how to use a spatial file to overlap hexagons on a map. This technique is much simpler, looks better, and is easier to maintain.

Typically when you want to create an overlapping hex map, you will use a template that has x/y coordinates for the rows and columns, hex shapes, then try to pack them together until they look just right. But then you put them into a dashboard and the sizes need to be adjusted again. What a pain!

Watch this tip to see the simple way to create these layered hex maps.

[michelnahon]

Really cool functionality Andy. I enjoy your weekly MOM videos very much. I've committed to do all of them this year even if it's not necessarily during the live session because of work. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

What is starting to struck me is that the Tableau users need to hack Tableau to get all these functionalities.

Isn't it time for Tableau to start incorporating these features in Tableau?

Curious to hear your thoughts

[Vanessa-yhxh]

Hi Andy, thanks so much for making all these videos! I have been looking but do you know where I can find Hex maps for European countries?

[alonrechavia]

Great piece, one note - isn't it a problem, visualize-wise, to have double legends? The values' range is similar in this case, but it might vary significantly in other use cases. Ain't it better to set a fixed start and end values for both of the legends?

[adhibaguspribadi]

How to get a Indonesian hex spatial file ?

[tamilkumaran]

Hi Andy,

Thank you very much for giving new concepts on every time.

I need your help to get the right solution for my below scenario.

I need to show brand comparison in line chart. For instance, comparing apple brands with other brands. Have to create two unique filters on same brand field. Could you please help me to crack this scenario. If possible, please make a new video for the same.

Thanks in advance

[prozaclink]

@Andy I don't have the hex shape in my tableau. How did you get the right icon that you can change the colour

[郭柏辰-wy]

Hi,
It's really a awesome video. I have a little question: Why can this spatial file shown in hex, but not in the real shape on the map?

[tableauvizwithvineet]

Thanks Andy, can we create hex maps for other countries also ? this spatial file is only US