GMaps Plugin Series 101

GMaps Plugin employs a series paradigm for creating multiple layers of information within the map interface. Similar to creating a chart in Excel, Gmaps plugin enables developers to create multiple series with independent properties for control over style, labels, and color.
Any combination of series can contain data points, polygons, lines/routes, and heatmaps.

Series Layering
As you add series the icon series type can dictate the layering. Polygons are always plotted as the lowest layer. On top of the polygons would be heatmaps, followed by icons and lines/routes.
GMaps Plugin employs the same series concept as charts. If you think of each series as a layer within the map, you can assemble any number of series, each with its own unique properties and attributes. For example, if you have 3 regions with 1000 offices per region (3000 total offices) you have 3 options in how you bind the data to the three series options below:

1. Create 1 map series with all 3000 offices visible at once
2. Create 3 map series, each with 1000 offices
3. Create 1 map series where you navigate and display 1 region at a time either through in-dashboard filtering, parameterized queries, or series visibility (#2).

When working with smaller data sets, you have all three series options at your disposal with minimal impact to performance or usability. As the complexity and volume of information increases, you will need to make important design decisions to scale your dashboard. Generally, you want 1 series per data type. In the example above, since all of the regional data represents offices, you should only have have 1 series. This will make it easier to add new data types. Perhaps you want to add regions, and countries before you get to the office level? You would now create 3 series.

Navigating Data w/ Series

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