How to Fix Welsh Counties Not Recognized in Excel Maps
Question details
The user is attempting to create a geographic map chart but finds that specific regions are not plotting successfully on the map.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating geographic charts using county-level data for the United Kingdom.
- Observed behavior
- Excel Maps fails to recognize and plot certain Welsh counties, such as Flintshire, Blaenau Gwent, and Neath Port Talbot.
Ensure your device has an active internet connection, as Excel Maps requires connectivity to the Bing Maps service to properly resolve geographic locations.
Standardize Text and Use Geography Data Types
Convert your location text into recognized Geography data types so Excel can verify and correctly identify the Welsh counties before generating the map.
Excel's Map charts rely on Bing Maps to match your text to geographical regions. Because administrative divisions in Wales vary (e.g., unitary authorities vs. traditional counties), forcing Excel to resolve the text as a 'Geography' data type often fixes recognition failures.
Select the column or cells in your spreadsheet that contain the names of the Welsh counties.
Navigate to the 'Data' tab on the top ribbon. In the 'Data Types' group, click on 'Geography'.
If a question mark (?) icon appears next to counties like Neath Port Talbot, click the icon to open the Data Selector pane. Search for the county manually and select the correct administrative division from the Bing Maps results.
Once all locations have a map icon indicating they are recognized, highlight your data range again, go to the 'Insert' tab, and click 'Maps' followed by 'Filled Map'.
Update Microsoft Excel to the Latest Version
Install the latest Office updates to ensure you have the most recent bug fixes and geographic data recognition improvements.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Data Visualization
If Excel's map charts continue to struggle with regional data recognition due to Bing Maps limitations, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible spreadsheet editor with extensive professional charting tools, offering a familiar interface without the heavy subscription costs.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and run the quick installation.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx data files without losing any formatting.
- 3. Visualize Your Data: Highlight your data, navigate to the Insert tab, and choose from a wide variety of professional charts to present your data effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel Maps recognize some UK counties but not others?
Excel relies on Bing Maps for geographic data. If Bing's database has varying administrative names or boundaries—such as the difference between unitary authorities in Wales and traditional ceremonial counties—Excel may fail to automatically match your text to the correct map geometry.
Can I manually correct an unrecognized location in Excel?
Yes. When a cell formatted as a Geography data type shows a question mark icon instead of a map card, you can click it to open the Data Selector pane. From there, you can search for the specific Welsh county and manually link it to the correct geographic entity.
Do I need an internet connection to create Maps in Excel?
Yes, creating Map charts and converting text to Geography Data Types requires an active internet connection to communicate with the Bing Maps online service.
What should I do if my county is still not plotting correctly on the map?
Try appending the country or regional name to your data (for example, typing 'Flintshire, Wales' or 'Blaenau Gwent, UK'). Providing broader contextual geography helps the mapping service narrow down the exact location.
