How to create a zip code-based point layer on a map

[daveatkins]

I have a spreadsheet which contains demographic data on individuals including their zip code. I want to create a map with a point layer showing the number of people in each zip code with varying sized points based on the value of the column Meds? = 'Yes'. 

I cannot get even the most basic map to work as it does not recognize "zip" as location data. When I drag the ZIP field onto a map chart, it's just a mess. 

I tried to change the data type of the ZIP using the data manager, but after selecting "geo data" I much choose from one of four options for city or state data. There is no zip code option.

What do I need to do?

[RafaelBarrios]

hi @daveatkins 

try adding the country code after the postal code

field: <postal_code>,<country_code>

Example: 3857,CH for Switzerland

or use the postal code in location field and use country field to limit the scope

i used a fixed value in location field but you could use a field, same for country field.

Hope this helps,

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[daveatkins]

Thank you; I found several helping things to be done:

1. clean the zip code when loading data: Num([ZIP],'00000') as ZIP, for example to solve issues like zip code 02139 in Massachusetts.
2. The map chart layer will need a location field further specified as an expression like this to tell it the zip code is in the US: [ZIP] & ', US'
3. need to make sure the zip field is being recognized as geo data; still not clear how to do that in load script

[RafaelBarrios]

Hi @daveatkins 

1. Agreed, be sure you have the proper zip format for the country

2. Agreed, it the same I just commented, I would take out the white space before ‘US’

3. Can’t be sure, but if you see my screenshoot is a field called “location type” there you can tell the map that the field is a zip code, but I think it’s not going to be necessary

Hope this helps,

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