How to Create Custom Maps in Power BI with Shapefiles

What are Custom Maps?

Custom maps in Power BI are user-defined geographic visualizations that go beyond the default maps. They allow you to import custom boundaries or shapes (like sales territories, clinic catchment areas, or solar installation zones) using formats such as TopoJSON, GeoJSON, or SVG, and then bind your data to those shapes for highly tailored geographic analysis.

First Enable the Shape Map Visual

• In Power BI Desktop, select File > Options and settings > Options.

• Under Global > Preview features, select Shape map visual.

• Select OK, then restart Power BI Desktop for the change to take effect.

Download Your Custom Shape Files

In this example I will be creating a map showcasing Snake/Animal bites by counties in Kenya.

Here is the snapshot of the data I will be using.

To do so.

First, I will need to download county GIS map files by going to Simplemaps.com

And download the map files as a GeoJSON.

Note: To generate the county map, I have inserted the country code at the end of address as highlighted above.

Next, head over to a site called Map Shaper

• Import the file you have downloaded.

• Using the inspection feature ensure all the Regions or Counties are correctly spelled out.

Export your map as a TopoJSON file.

Create Your Custom Map

Back in Power BI Desktop, connect your dataset.

• And add a Shape map visual to the view.

• Add County to the Location.

Under Format your visual.

• Go to Map settings >> chose Custom Map

• And add the TopoJSON file you’ve downloaded above.

Lastly, add the measure “Bites - Animal, Snake, etc” to the color saturation to create the view below.

Conclusion

Creating custom maps in Power BI with shapefiles unlocks the ability to visualize data on unique, business-specific geographies rather than relying solely on default boundaries. By importing shapefiles (converted to TopoJSON) into the Shape Map visual, users can bind their datasets to custom regions - whether sales territories, clinic catchment areas, or solar installation zones. This approach enhances data storytelling, decision-making, and local relevance, making dashboards more actionable and tailored to real-world contexts. Ultimately, custom maps empower organizations to move beyond generic visuals and deliver insights that truly reflect their operational landscapes.

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