Grafana 8.1 introduces the Geomap panel, an upgrade from the Worldmap panel, offering enhanced geospatial data visualization capabilities within the same core UI infrastructure. This new panel allows users to customize world maps extensively, featuring multiple base layer options like Open Street Maps and ArcGIS, as well as the ability to switch themes for better visibility. Users can define data layers and customize markers with gradient scales and varying sizes, while also having the option to use different marker shapes and, in future updates, icons. Additionally, a heat map layer can cluster data points to showcase density variations, and the panel includes four mapping options to accommodate different data sources: auto, coordinates, geohash, and look up. The Geomap panel also enhances sharing capabilities by enabling linked map panels within the same dashboard, allowing for synchronized movements and shared data layers, thus facilitating a comprehensive exploration of geospatial data.