What Are Excel 3D Maps?
Excel’s latest versions of 2016 offer a new and exciting feature known as the 3D map. This innovative tool introduces map elements in the Excel graph axis in three dimensions, providing users with an actual functional map. The 3D map is an incredibly useful tool that allows users to represent data on a globe, whether on an international or smaller scale, depending on the data type.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- 3D Maps can be used to analyze data on a smaller or larger scale, including an international level.
- 3D Maps are a powerful tool for presenting data in a location-based format.
- 3D Maps are visually engaging and informative ways to showcase information, making it easier for viewers to comprehend complex data sets.
- 3D Maps using the latest technologies comprehensively view a given location’s terrain, buildings, and other features.
- 3D Maps in Excel help professionals understand complex relationships between location-based data and make more informed decisions based on those insights.
How To Use 3D Maps In Excel?
Excel 3D Maps helps users shows their data geographically. It allows users to create interactive maps with three-dimensional visualizations of geographic data, enabling a deeper understanding of patterns and trends in their data.
The steps are:
Step 1: First, click Insert > Tours group > 3D Map option.
Step 2: To access the 3D Maps feature, click the downward arrow next to the 3D Map > Open 3D Maps option from the drop-down list. This will allow us to utilize the 3D mapping capabilities of the software fully.
Step 3: The window, Launch 3D Maps opens.
Step 4: Select Copy Scene 1 from the New Scene section. This will create a replica of Scene 1.
Step 5: The raw data presented on the right-hand side of the window shows that we have unique field lists.
Step 6: Next, drag the column headers into their particular fields. It is to properly categorize our data.
Step 7: Finally, a 3D map will be created for the data.
Examples
Let us learn about 3D maps using the below examples.
Example #1
The following example will clarify how to display City, Zip Code, and Population data in Excel.
- Step 1: To access the 3D Map feature, click to the Insert tab and locate the Tours group. From there, select the 3D Map option.

- Step 2: To access the 3D Maps in Excel, click the downward arrow next to the 3D Map option. Select the Open 3D Maps option from the drop-down list. This will allow us to utilize the 3D mapping capabilities of the software fully.

- Step 3: The window, Launch 3D Maps is now open.

- Step 4: Now, choose Copy Scene 1 from the drop-down menu in the New Scene section. This will create a replica of Scene 1.
- Step 5: The raw data presented on the right-hand side of the window shows that we have unique field lists. It is important to note that these field lists are distinct. Allow me to elaborate further for clarity.

- Step 6: Now, drag the City column header into the designated Location field. This will ensure correct and organized data management.
- Step 7: We have observed a corresponding alteration in the Legend entry upon implementing these modifications. As a result, a 3D map is generated for the data above. This enhancement provides a more comprehensive and visually appealing representation of the data.

Example #2
The below example will show us companies and countries in Excel.

Step 1: To utilize the impressive 3D Map feature, go to the Insert tab and locate the Tours group. Once there, select the 3D Map option to unlock the ability to create visually stunning and informative maps that are sure to captivate our audience.
Step 2: To utilize the 3D Maps feature, click the downward arrow next to the 3D Map option. Select the Open 3D Maps option from the drop-down list. This will grant us full access to the software’s advanced 3D mapping capabilities.
Step 3: Now, the launch window for 3D Maps is now open.
Step 4: Select Copy Scene 1 from the drop-down list. It is in the New Scene section.
Step 5: The raw data presented on the right-hand side of the window shows that we have unique field lists. It is important to note that these field lists are not identical.
Step 6: To categorize our data, it is imperative to drag the column headers into their designated fields. To begin, drag the Country column header into the particular Location field. This will guarantee precise and well-organized data management.
Step 7: 3D map is now created for the data above. This shows the changes, significance and impact on the data’s visualization. Implementing these modifications has allowed for a more comprehensive and accurate data representation, providing valuable insights for further analysis.

Important Things To Note
- 3D Maps enable businesses, governments, and other organizations to make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.
- 3D Maps are essential for anyone seeking to communicate data clearly and compellingly.
- To effectively represent data, we can utilize either a custom image or a global map provided by Excel. This allows for a visually appealing and informative presentation of the data.
- 3D Maps in Excel plot geographical locations, such as cities or countries, on the map and then add different data sets to each location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 3D Maps in Excel feature is particularly used to present data more interactively and engagingly. With the 3D map, users can easily identify patterns and trends that may not be as apparent in traditional two-dimensional graphs. Additionally, the 3D map allows for a more comprehensive understanding of data, providing a more realistic representation of geographical locations.
Overall, the 3D map is an excellent addition to Excel’s already impressive suite of tools.
Firstly, it allows users to convey complex information clearly and concisely by showing it geographically through interactive maps.
Secondly, this feature facilitates advanced spatial analysis, allowing users to identify trends or patterns across geographical regions and make data-driven decisions accordingly.
The type of data that works best with 3D Maps in Excel is spatial data. Spatial data refers to geographic information about the location, shape, and size of objects on the Earth’s surface. This could include population density, land area, or elevation data. The powerful visualization capabilities of 3D maps can intuitively showcase this data, making it easier for decision-makers to analyze and understand complex relationships between different variables. Excel’s built-in tools make it easy to change and analyze large sets of spatial data quickly.
Download Template
This article must help understand 3D Maps in Excel with its formula and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.
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