Custom map markers in Power BI Azure Maps allow you to create dynamic, data-driven map visuals that go far beyond standard pins, making location-based storytelling clearer and more impactful.
With Power BI Azure Maps markers, you can use custom icons, SVG images, and conditional formatting to highlight locations and improve spatial analysis.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use the Markers layer in the Azure Maps visual, how custom markers work, and how to apply them to real-world scenarios like flight paths and points of interest, similar to Google Maps.
What Is the Azure Maps Visual in Power BI?
The Azure Maps visual allows you to overlay your own spatial data such as cities, coordinates, or routes on top of an interactive map. This makes it ideal for:
- Location-based storytelling
- Logistics and route analysis
- Sales territory mapping
- Travel, transportation, and infrastructure reporting
This article focuses specifically on the Markers layer and the new custom marker functionality, not the general setup of Azure Maps.
Getting Started with the Markers Layer
To begin:
- Add the Azure Maps visual to your Power BI report page
- Drag a location field (for example, city names) into the Location field well
- Open the Format visual pane
By default, the Markers layer is enabled. This layer controls how locations are displayed on the map.
Marker Customization Basics
Within the Markers section of the format pane, you can control several visual properties:
- Icon type (pin, shape, symbol, etc.)
- Size
- Rotation
- Color
- Category-based formatting
By default, any changes apply to all markers on the map. However, you can switch the category to customize individual locations for example, making New York larger, a different color, or using a flag icon.
This is useful for highlighting key locations, but it must be configured manually per category.
Using Conditional Formatting for Marker Rotation
Some marker properties such as rotation support conditional formatting. You’ll recognize these options by the FX button next to the setting.
Example: Visualizing Flight Paths
A common real-world use case is flight tracking:
- Change the marker icon to a plane
- Increase the marker size
- Apply conditional formatting to the rotation field
- Bind the rotation value to a numeric column in your dataset (for example, direction or bearing)
This allows each plane icon to automatically rotate based on its flight path, making the visualization far more intuitive.
Combining Markers with Paths in Azure Maps
The Markers layer becomes even more powerful when combined with other Azure Maps layers.
If your dataset includes:
- Path ID
- Path Order
You can draw lines between points to show routes. When used alongside rotating plane markers, this creates a compelling origin-to-destination flight map.
This layered approach is ideal for logistics, transportation, and operational reporting.
Custom Marker Images: Icons vs Images
The real breakthrough in the January 2026 update is the ability to use custom images as map markers.
Under Marker Type, you now have two options:
- Icon – choose from built-in shapes and symbols
- Image – use an external image or SVG
Supported formats include:
- PNG
- JPEG
- GIF
- SVG (recommended for dynamic styling)
Using SVGs for Dynamic Map Markers
Microsoft’s official documentation provides sample SVGs that you can copy and paste directly as image URLs. Once applied, these SVGs act as fully customizable map markers.
Why SVG Markers Matter
SVGs unlock advanced capabilities such as:
- Dynamic color changes
- Data-driven marker switching
- Consistent scaling at any zoom level
- Conditional formatting based on data values
This enables true data-driven iconography, not just static symbols.
Real-World Example: Points of Interest Mapping
A practical use case for custom SVG markers is mapping points of interest, similar to Google Maps.
Imagine a dataset that includes:
- Latitude and longitude
- Category (restaurant, café, landmark, etc.)
- A corresponding SVG icon per category
How It Works
- Add latitude and longitude to the Azure Maps visual
- Set Marker Type to Image
- Use conditional formatting on the image field
- Bind it to the SVG column in your data model
Each location now displays a unique icon based on its category, making the map instantly understandable and visually engaging.
Why Custom Map Markers Matter in Power BI
Custom markers allow you to:
- Create richer visual narratives
- Improve map readability
- Highlight key data points instantly
- Build interactive, app-like map experiences
When combined with other Azure Maps layers, they elevate your reports from basic visuals to story-driven analytics.
Learn More About Power BI and Azure Maps
If you want to deepen your skills in Power BI visuals, mapping, and advanced reporting techniques, check out this comprehensive training resource
