Feature layers use shapefiles to represent features such as countries, rivers, and cities as vector-based polygons, lines, or points. Shapefiles are embedded as binary objects in a geocoding table, where they are linked to topological information such as map coordinates. The polygons, lines, and points can be filled with color. They behave similar to markers on a map, allowing you to select a state outline, for example.

Some of Spotfire's geocoding tables contain geometries that represent the various areas coded within them. They should be the first port of call when adding geometries to a map chart.

There are also many free online sources for downloading shapefiles. If an existing shapefile doesn't meet your needs, it is also possible to manipulate and create new shapefiles using a variety of free and paid software.

By way of a simple example, let&apos...