#WOW2026 | Week 36 | Let’s tell a story with Map Layers

Introduction

We know that Tableau can be used for really great executive dashboards and analytic explorations, but one of the things that I love using Tableau the most for is storytelling. Especially whenever you can combine that with a map, Tableau can do some pretty incredible things.

This week, for Workout Wednesday, we’re going to be taking a look at John Snow’s famous cholera map from 1854. We’re going to be recreating the cholera map while also using the parameter actions and map layers in Tableau to tell that story. Good luck.

This week, for Workout Wednesday, we’re going to be taking a look at John Snow’s famous cholera map from 1854. We’re going to be recreating the cholera map while also using parameters and map layers in Tableau to tell that story.

Good luck.

Requirements

Size: 1200×900
sheets: 1
Build a map with 3 map layers
- Building locations
- Sewer grate locations
- pump locations
Here is the text each step in the story
- “In 1854, there were 250 buildings that reported deaths from Cholera within the first 10 days of the outbreak”
- “Deaths per buildings ranged from 1-15 deaths with a large concentration on Broad Street.”
- “The dominant theory of how cholera was transmitted in mid-19th century London was that it was airborne.
  If open sewer grates and ventilation shafts were related to the cause of cholera, we should see concentrations of deaths around them”
- “In contrast to the dominant airborne theory, John Snow held that cholera was transmitted by ingesting choleraic water. Since many people got their water from public pumps, Snow created a map to show deaths in relationship to water pumps.
  The famous Broad St pump is in the center of the map.”

Dataset

Available from here.

Attribute

When you publish your solution on Tableau Public make sure to take the time and include a link to the original inspiration. Also include the hashtag #WOW2026 in your description to make it searchable!