Geo charts are an easy way to visualize data in maps to compare how a measurement varies across a geographic area. The dimensions are related to continents, countries, regions/states and cities, with your desired metrics as a data point.

1. Geo Chart

Geo Charts in Google Data Studio
Geo Charts in Google Data Studio
  • In this chart, we are displaying Revenue by Country.

  • In Chart A, Zoom Area is set to default as World, and in Chart B, Zoom Area is set to Americas.

Recommended: Yes, See The Chart Version That Suits Your Need

  • Geo Chart [a personal favorite]: Chart areas are color-filled based on High, Medium, Low and data less values. A Geo Chart only has the option to set Zoom Area.

  • Bubble Map: Chart areas are filled as Bubbles and the chart has an option to display as a Map or Satellite view. Bubble maps have two background layer options (map or satellite views) which can be configured in the Style Tab. You can also set the number of Bubbles and the Bubbles Size.

  • Filled Map: Almost the same as Geo chart, except there, is no option to set the Zoom area. Filled maps have two background layer options (map and satellite views) which can be configured in the Style Tab.

2. Filled Map

Filled Map in Google Data Studio
Filled Map in Google Data Studio
  • A Filled Map can only have one Metric. In this chart, we are displaying Revenue by Country. Chart A Map View and Chart B Satellite View.

Recommended: Yes, See The Chart Version That Suits Your Need

  • Filled Map: Almost the same as Geo chart, except there, is no option to set the Zoom area. Filled maps have two background layer options (map and satellite views) which can be configured in the Style Tab.

  • Geo Chart [a personal favorite]: Chart areas are color-filled based on High, Medium, Low and data less values. A Geo Chart only has the option to set Zoom Area.

  • Bubble Map: Chart areas are filled as Bubbles and the chart has an option to display as a Map or Satellite view. Bubble maps have two background layer options (map or satellite views) which can be configured in the Style Tab. You can also set the number of Bubbles and the Bubbles Size.

3. Bubble Map

Bubble Map in Google Data Studio
Bubble Map in Google Data Studio
  • In this chart, we are displaying Users (Size) and Revenue (Color) by Country.

  • Bubble map has two Metrics options, Size and Color, and possible to use one either of them.

  • Chart A Map View and Chart B Satellite View.

Recommended: Yes, See The Chart Version That Suits Your Need

  • Filled Map: Almost the same as Geo chart, except there, is no option to set the Zoom area. Filled maps have two background layer options (map and satellite views) which can be configured in the Style Tab.

  • Geo Chart [a personal favorite]: Chart areas are color-filled based on High, Medium, Low and data less values. A Geo Chart only has the option to set Zoom Area.

  • Bubble Map: Chart areas are filled as Bubbles and the chart has an option to display as a Map or Satellite view. Bubble maps have two background layer options (map or satellite views) which can be configured in the Style Tab. You can also set the number of Bubbles and the Bubbles Size.

4. Geo Chart: Another example

Geo Chart in Google Data Studio
Geo Chart in Google Data Studio
  • Geo Chart only has an option for Zoom Area, in the second chart, Zoom Area is set to the United States

Recommended: Yes

  • Personally prefer a bigger Geo chart with a table so we can see the raw number together with visual comparison

Enjoy reading the guide? I have explained every chart available in the new Data Studio Book here. Visual explanations for graphs configurations, style, format, and recommendations. So you can also see how the final result will look and why one design is better than others for the same chart.