We worked with some data about SAT scores and test taking rates in every state over the last week. I was able to use Tableau with some custom mapping options to keep the image looking professional.

I found a file defining polygons for each state at Tableau Mapping. I was able to follow the directions from a tutorial by Steve Batt which basically say:

• Open the saved map file from Tableau Mapping
• Add a new connection with your current data to be mapped
• Ensure the two data sets are joined properly (i.e. State ID from the map matches a column in the new data) by clicking the join icon between the data set names
• In a new Worksheet, ensure the Latitude and Longitude columns are Measures
• Drag Longitude to the Columns shelf and make sure the Aggregation is set to average (i.e. it reads AVG(Longitude) on the pill)
• Drag Latitude to the Rows shelf and ensure it is an average too
• Change the drop-down box in the Marks card from Automatic to Polygon
• Ensure PointID is a Dimension, then drag it onto the Path section of theMarks card
  • this will make lots of jagged edges!!
• Drag PolygonID into the Marks card as a Detail
  • this should fix all the jaggies!

Now you can drag the variable you want into the Color card to make the heat map!