Maps serve as a powerful tool for data visualization, particularly when they are used thoughtfully to reflect how people naturally perceive geography, such as through neighborhoods, states, or countries. Instead of scattering individual data points across a pin map, region maps often provide clearer, more actionable insights by highlighting patterns and trends across geographic areas. Different map types, such as pin, grid, and region maps, cater to various data visualization needs, with region maps generally offering a clearer snapshot of distributions by area. Metabase supports custom maps, allowing users to create region-based visualizations, but emphasizes the importance of summarizing data to provide actionable insights rather than overwhelming viewers with details. The guide suggests evaluating whether a map is necessary for visualizing specific data, as not all datasets benefit from geographic representation. It encourages using GIS maps for unfiltered data and stresses that the right choice of map—or deciding if a map is needed at all—can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of data storytelling.