About Data Layer Types for Maps

A layer type controls how a data layer is drawn on the map.

Depending on your data and the layer you’re creating, you can use different layer types to represent different spatial patterns.

Layer type	Use it to show
Point	Individual locations, such as customers, stores, cities, assets, or incidents.
Polygon	Areas or boundaries, such as countries, states, districts, territories, or zones.
Line	Paths, routes, boundaries, or other line-based spatial data.
Cluster	Groups of nearby points summarized into clustered bubbles. See Create Cluster Layers on a Map.
Heatmap	Density or intensity across many point locations. See Use Heatmap Layers on a Map Visualization.
Dynamic Line	Connections between start and end locations, such as routes, flows, or relationships. See Use Dynamic Line Map Layers to Connect Locations on Map Visualizations.
Vector	Large or complex polygon boundaries rendered from vector tiles. See Use Vector Map Layers in Map Visualizations.