You may find that you need to geocode addresses more precisely than Tableau allows. If you only have a handful of addresses, you can Google them and grab the coordinates that way<\/a>. If you have more than a few, you’ll want to use a batch geocoding service. Many geocoders are either not free or require you to obtain various kinds of access tokens. However, this geocoder<\/a> is free and seems to be working well. Note that it requires you to supply your data in a particular format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n US Census Data<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stanford University Map Collection<\/a> (many have WMSs available; search for “Rumsey” to find historic maps)<\/p>\n\n\n\n NYPL Maps<\/a> (click on a map and then “Export” to view the WMS URL)<\/p>\n\n\n\n data.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tableau is good at displaying points, shapes, and data layers. However, you may find that you want to create a different kind of map, or you just don’t like Tableau. Here are some other options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Story Maps<\/a> allow the user to walk through each point step by step, accompanied by narrative or other media. A great choice if you don’t have a ton of points and want the focus to be on the story you’re telling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Confusingly enough, StoryMap JS<\/a> is different from Story Maps! With this tool, you place your points on a map, and a user clicks through them in order to reveal a story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Much like Tableau, the web-based platform Carto<\/a> allows you to place your points on a map, switch out basemaps, and combine data layers. The main difference is that Carto also allows you to surround your map with “widgets”: graphs and lists that allow the user to dynamically filter your data. (Here’s an example.<\/a>) I like Carto a lot and have taught it in previous years. However, Carto has changed its pricing scheme so that the only way to obtain free access<\/a> is through the GitHub Student Developer Pack<\/a>. This means that GitHub has to verify your student status; then, after you connect your GitHub account to Carto, you’ll be offered two free years of Access. This is definitely do-able but may take a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I haven’t used Flourish<\/a> much, but those who have seem to like it. It’s a web-based tool for mapping and data visualization that may be a bit more user-friendly than Tableau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Serious” GIS people usually use ArcGIS<\/a> or its free alternative, QGIS<\/a>. Both of these products are very powerful, but the learning curve is a bit steeper. You can download QGIS for free, and this tutorial<\/a> is an excellent starting point.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Geocoders You may find that you need to geocode addresses more precisely than Tableau allows. If you only have a handful of addresses, you can Google them and grab the … <\/p>\nWMS Servers (for alternate basemaps)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other mapping tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
ESRI Story Maps<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
StoryMap JS<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Carto<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Flourish<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
QGIS<\/a> and ArcGIS<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n