Metrics and Map Overlays in Kibana

[georgezoto]

Hello everyone,

First, awesome job to the Kibana team and community on the updated Regions Maps feature. I have combed the web, GitHub issues (https://github.com/elastic/kibana/issues?utf8=✓&q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+overlay) and the discussion forums (https://discuss.elastic.co/search?q=map%20overlay) but I haven't seen something as complete as this.

The only 2 issues that are kinda remotely related (but not at all the same), are:
#11529
#9841

So I need your expert opinion on how challenging this list of features would be. In terms of benefits, the list just keeps growing as I explain in detail.

Challenge:
My organization (a non-profit dedicated to end childhood hunger in the US) has a rich dataset that I can easily plot on a map using Region Maps or Coordinate Maps. I can only show one metric or parameter on the heap-map or mouse-over at a time though.

Current Approach:

1. Use Region Maps and host my own geo data as geojson files as suggested in https://www.elastic.co/blog/custom-region-maps-in-kibana-6-0
2. Create 1 map/visualization for each parameter of my dataset.
3. It is impossible for us to look at the bigger picture by adding (an increasing number of) individual visualizations next to each other.

Recommended Approach:

Level 1
Allow multiple/configurable mouse-over parameter/metrics display but keep only one map layer (configurable as it is today). So when a user mouses-over a map, he will be shown a collection of parameters for that geojson region e.g. county or zip code. See below for an example screenshot:

Level 2
Apply Level 1 above, but also allow us to overlay new information/parameters on the same map (using the same underlying geojson file though) with a configurable level of opaqueness or blending/color parameters. This way for a specific zip code for example, I have multiple map overlays and their metrics shown upon mouse-over. See below for a conceptual screenshot:

Level 3
Apply Level 2 above, but allow us to to overlay custom maps on top of each other (using different underlying geojson files) each one displaying its own metrics (with a configurable level of opaqueness or blending/color parameters). This way I can plot on the same map:

1. counties
2. zip codes
3. school districts
4. congressional districts
5. my newly found custom geojson region

See below for a conceptual screenshot:

Level 1B
Allow the overlay of coordinate maps with region maps. In our dataset we have actual address locations that I was able to geocode using Google’s api. I need to overlay them on top of an existing Region Map for complete analysis. See below for a conceptual screenshot:

Summary
Overlaying information on a map can provide users with spatial analysis and compelling storytelling. Think of it the analogous of sub-buckets on the X-Axis or using a secondary Y-Axis in a regular vertical bar chart. This simplifies analysis and identifies patterns visually and instantly.

Thank you,
George Zoto

Elasticsearch version (bin/elasticsearch --version):
elastic-6.1.0

Plugins installed: []

JVM version (java -version):
openjdk version "1.8.0_151"

OS version (uname -a if on a Unix-like system):
Ubuntu 16.04.3 LTS

[thomasneirynck]

thanks @georgezoto for the comprehensive ER. I'm going to need some time to parse this out. Some of those feature request are known, but i'll need to find some related issues. Please stay tuned.

[georgezoto]

Hello Thomas,

Am I dreaming 😄 or all 4 features suggested here were something your team has been working on for a while and shared a sneak peek at Elasticon 2018 last week? Shay mentioned that it is at the stage Canvas was a year ago. Any hints on beta testing? I would love to check it out 🥇

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYUT6V7KNOw&t=1h37m26s

https://www.elastic.co/assets/bltf3aec2bf05b22820/elasticon18-state-of-geo-in-elasticsearch.pdf

[thomasneirynck]

We are working on a new implementation of map visualizations and are not planning to add any new features to the existing implementation. We will take this suggestion under consideration for the new app.

[nreese]

This feature request has been implemented in the new Maps application. The Maps application will be available as a beta preview in the upcoming stack releases 6.7.0 and 7.0.0.

You can try the new Maps application today with the 7.0.0-beta1 release