Graduated Map Type

The graduated map type is similar to the ranged map type in that each mapped area falls within a certain range and this range is plotted graphically at its location. The difference between the two is how they graphically represent that data point. The ranged type assigned a color to each range and fills each area with the appropriate color. The graduated type shows a single symbol on the map and changes the symbol’s size based upon its value. The larger the value, the larger the symbol. Figure 14-8 shows an example of a graduated map type that uses circles to represent each range. You can see that this example only uses three dots to represent the ranges, and their sizes are quite different.

Figure 14-8. Graduated map type showing US sales by state.

Unlike the ranged map type, the graduated type doesn’t give you the ability to specify ranges for the symbol size. You have to accept what Crystal Reports chooses. You only get to pick what the symbol looks like. By clicking on the Customize button in the Options section, you get the Symbol Style dialog box shown in Figure 14-9.

Figure 14-9. Customize the graduated symbol.

This dialog box lets you select the font, font size, symbol and color. You can also set different effects such as the symbol’s rotation, if it has a halo or box around it, and whether it is bold, italic or has a drop shadow. This gives you the opportunity to customize the symbol to some degree.