Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Fix Excel 3D Maps Showing a Blank Globe

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to restore the underlying geographic map in Excel 3D Maps, which has disappeared and been replaced by a blank globe.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Plotting property locations and geographical data using the 3D Maps feature in Excel.
Observed behavior: Excel plots the data points accurately as dots, but the underlying geographic Bing map fails to render, displaying a completely blank globe instead.

Before you start

Ensure your computer has an active and stable internet connection, as Excel 3D Maps requires live access to Bing Maps services to render the geographic background.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Network and Connected Experiences Settings

Since 3D Maps relies on Bing Maps imagery, network restrictions or disabled connected services in Excel often cause the globe to appear blank.

Excel must be allowed to communicate with Microsoft's online services to fetch the map data. If 'Connected Experiences' are disabled in your Trust Center, the map will not load.

Check Trust Center Settings

Open Excel and navigate to File > Options > Trust Center. Click on 'Trust Center Settings' and then select 'Privacy Options'.

Enable Connected Experiences

Click on 'Privacy Settings' and ensure the box for 'Turn on optional connected experiences' is checked. Click OK to save the changes.

Restart Excel and 3D Maps

Close your workbook and restart Excel. Open your file, launch 3D Maps, and verify if the geographic map renders correctly.

Solution 2

Isolate the Issue with Dummy Data

Create a test workbook with non-sensitive sample data to determine if the blank globe is caused by file corruption or a system-wide mapping issue.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Stable Data Visualization with WPS Office

If Excel's 3D Maps feature continues to fail due to connected service issues, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative that offers seamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats and provides reliable, offline-friendly charting tools for your data visualization needs.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free suite and follow the quick installation prompts.
2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx file directly without worrying about format conversion.
3. Visualize Your Data: Highlight your data and use the comprehensive Insert > Chart options to create stable, professional visualizations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Excel 3D Maps require an internet connection?

Yes, Excel 3D Maps requires an active internet connection to download geographic map imagery and plot coordinates using Bing Maps services.

Why does Excel 3D maps say it cannot connect to Bing Maps?

This usually happens due to network restrictions, firewall settings blocking Excel, or Microsoft server outages. Check your internet connection and ensure Excel is permitted through your system's firewall.

How do I reset my Excel 3D Map?

You can remove the existing 3D Map by deleting the map tour from the '3D Map' drop-down on the Insert tab, then recreating it by selecting your data and clicking Insert > 3D Map again.