In map design, "figure-ground" refers to how a map feature is visually separated or "pops out" from the background. A drop shadow is one approach.
Here's a quick how-to create a "drop shadow" shapefile in @QGIS, to be used in @TableauPublic.
#RandomQGIStoTableauStuff #10
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1. Use @QGIS's Dissolve tool to create a single feature map layer, e.g. combining all of the US states into a single polygon. This is make it easier to move it in the next step.
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2. Turn on "Edit" for the dissolved layer, select "Move Feature(s)" and click/move the polygon to the desired position... Save the layer as a shapefile.
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3. You can then use the new shapefile as a drop shadow in @TableauPublic, playing w/ the color & opacity to get the desired effect.
And it's kind of a cool effect, I think...๐
Hope you found this helpful!๐
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Dennis Kao
@professorkao
Ramblings about maps, data visualization, Tableau Public, QGIS, etc. Social Work Professor by Day Data Viz & Map Designer by Night
