Custom geocoding in Tableau - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Custom geocoding lets you add your own location data to Tableau maps. This helps when Tableau's built-in map does not have your specific places or regions. You can show your unique areas on maps clearly.

When you want to map sales territories that are not standard regions.

When your data includes custom store locations not recognized by Tableau.

When you need to display delivery zones that differ from postal codes.

When your organization uses internal location codes not in Tableau's map.

When you want to combine your own geographic data with Tableau's maps.

Steps

Step 1: Prepare your custom geocoding file with location names and coordinates

- Outside Tableau (use Excel or text editor)

You have a CSV file with columns like 'Name', 'Latitude', and 'Longitude' ready to import

Step 2: Open Tableau and go to the Map menu

- Top menu bar, click Map

Map menu options appear

Step 3: Select 'Geocoding' then choose 'Import Custom Geocoding'

- Map > Geocoding > Import Custom Geocoding

A file dialog opens to select your custom geocoding CSV file

Step 4: Select your prepared CSV file and click Open

- File dialog window

Tableau imports your custom locations and adds them to the map data

Step 5: Use your custom location field in your worksheet for mapping

- Data pane, drag your location field to the Rows or Columns shelf or to the Marks card

Tableau plots your custom locations on the map using your geocoding data

Step 6: Adjust map layers or styles if needed

- Map > Background Maps or Map Layers pane

Map appearance updates to highlight your custom locations clearly

Before vs After

Before

Map shows only standard geographic locations without your custom areas

After

Map displays your custom locations like sales territories or store points accurately

Settings Reference

Import Custom Geocoding

📍 Map menu > Geocoding > Import Custom Geocoding

To add your own location data to Tableau maps

Default: No custom geocoding imported

Map Layers

📍 Map menu > Map Layers

To control what map details show behind your custom locations

Default: Streets and Borders enabled

Common Mistakes

Using a CSV file without latitude and longitude columns

Tableau needs coordinates to place locations on the map

Include latitude and longitude columns in your CSV for each location

Not matching location names exactly between your data and custom geocoding file

Tableau cannot link your data to the custom locations if names differ

Ensure location names in your data match exactly the names in the custom geocoding file

Summary

Custom geocoding lets you add your own locations to Tableau maps.

You import a CSV file with location names and coordinates via the Map menu.

Make sure your location names and coordinates are correct for accurate mapping.