Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Create a Latitude and Longitude Point Map in Excel for Mac

WPS Editor Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to plot individual data points on a map using exact latitude and longitude coordinates, but the built-in standard Map Charts only support filled regions and 3D Maps is unavailable.

How to Create a Latitude and Longitude Point Map in Excel for Mac

Product: Microsoft Excel for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Visualizing specific geographical data points based on precise latitude and longitude coordinates.
Observed behavior: Excel's built-in Maps feature only generates filled area maps, and the 3D Maps feature (which natively supports point layers) is missing in the Mac version.

Before you start

Ensure your latitude and longitude data is properly formatted as decimal numbers in separate columns, with no text characters (like ° or N/S) included in the cells.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Third-Party Mapping Add-in for Excel

Since native point maps are unavailable on Mac, installing a dedicated map add-in from the Microsoft Store is the most integrated way to plot coordinates.

Excel for Mac supports various web-based add-ins that can extend its charting capabilities. Tools like Bing Maps can be inserted directly into your worksheet to visualize point data.

Access Add-ins

Open your workbook, navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the Excel ribbon, and click on 'Get Add-ins'.

Search for Mapping Tools

In the Office Add-ins store window, type 'Map' or 'Bing Maps' into the search bar and press Enter.

Install the Add-in

Click the 'Add' button next to your chosen mapping add-in and agree to the terms to insert the map container into your spreadsheet.

Plot Your Data

Select the data range containing your latitude, longitude, and data labels, then click the 'Show Locations' or plot button within the add-in interface.

Use a Third-Party Mapping Add-in for Excel

Add-in Limitations: Depending on the specific add-in chosen, you may need to rely on standard addresses instead of raw coordinates, or you might need a premium subscription for advanced features.

Solution 2

Export Data to External Mapping Applications

If add-ins do not meet your accuracy needs, exporting your Excel data to a dedicated online mapping tool is a free and reliable alternative.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Highly Compatible Data Visualization

While Excel for Mac has limitations with spatial mapping features like 3D Maps, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for everyday data processing. Enjoy advanced charting, seamless pivot tables, and flawless compatibility with Microsoft formats for free.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for Mac from the official website and install the application.
2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and click 'Open' to browse for your existing .xlsx or .csv files.
3. Analyze and Visualize: Use the robust insert chart features to continue analyzing your dataset without missing a beat.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Rich built-in charting and data visualization tools for diverse reporting needs.Lightweight and fast, optimized perfectly for Mac and Windows environments.Free to use with a familiar user interface that requires zero learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 3D Maps missing in Excel for Mac?

The 3D Maps feature (formerly Power Map) relies heavily on DirectX, which is a graphics rendering technology exclusive to the Windows operating system. Therefore, Microsoft cannot currently offer this feature in Excel for Mac.

How should I format latitude and longitude in Excel to avoid errors?

Coordinates should be formatted strictly as decimal degrees (e.g., 40.7128 for Latitude, -74.0060 for Longitude). Ensure they are stored as numbers without extra text symbols like degree signs (°) or directional letters (N/S/E/W).

Does the standard Map Chart in Excel support zip codes or cities?

Yes, the built-in Map Chart works excellently with high-level geographic regions like countries, states, counties, and postal codes. However, it functions as a choropleth map, meaning it will shade the entire geographic region rather than placing a specific pinpoint.

Excel & Data Problems