Synoptic Panel v2 Revolutionizes Your Dashboard Experience

Key insights

• Synoptic Panel v2 is a new custom visual for Power BI that transforms static SVG images, maps, and diagrams into interactive data-driven visuals. It allows users to overlay data on floor plans, process flows, and geographic maps for deeper insights.


• The tool supports multi-level navigation, letting users drill down through different layers of data using various images or maps. This feature helps analyze information across multiple levels of detail within a single report.


• Users can load maps from local files, remote URLs, or the cloud-based My Storage. Batch loading makes it easier to manage complex reports with many visual elements.


• Customization options include changing colors, shapes, outlines, and legends. Conditional formatting in Power BI highlights important data points dynamically, improving clarity and focus in reports.


• The latest update introduces features such as exporting My Storage map URLs, customizing outline colors for map areas, scaling UI elements with report zoom, and an inline diagnostic console for troubleshooting. These improvements enhance both usability and interactivity.


• Synoptic Panel v2 offers context-rich analytics by combining traditional visuals with interactive mapping. Its flexible design and ongoing updates make it a valuable tool for organizations seeking advanced reporting capabilities in Power BI.

Introduction to Synoptic Panel v2: A New Era for Power BI Visuals

The recent launch of Synoptic Panel v2 by OKVIZ marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Power BI custom visuals. As discussed in a detailed video by the SQLBI team, this new version transforms how users can integrate and interact with SVG images, maps, and diagrams within their Power BI reports. While previous versions offered foundational capabilities, Synoptic Panel v2 introduces a suite of enhancements aimed at boosting usability, customization, and seamless integration—features that are increasingly critical in today’s data-driven environments.

With organizations demanding more context-rich visualizations, Synoptic Panel v2’s ability to convert static images into dynamic, interactive dashboards is a noteworthy advancement. By leveraging the latest Power BI Custom Visuals API, this tool not only ensures compatibility and performance but also paves the way for creative data storytelling across diverse business scenarios.

Core Features and Functionality

At its core, Synoptic Panel v2 enables users to overlay interactive data onto any SVG image or map. This capability is especially valuable for visualizing floor plans, process diagrams, organizational charts, or geographic maps within a single Power BI report. The panel’s multi-level navigation feature allows users to drill down through various data hierarchies, displaying different images or maps at each level for deeper analysis.

Furthermore, the tool supports batch loading of maps, making it easier to manage complex reporting needs. Users can source maps from local files, remote URLs, or the dedicated cloud storage feature known as My Storage. This flexibility streamlines the creation and maintenance of large, interactive reports, which is a crucial benefit for teams working with intricate data structures.

What’s New in Synoptic Panel v2?

The 2025 updates bring several notable improvements to Synoptic Panel v2, as highlighted in SQLBI’s coverage. One key addition is the ability to export My Storage map URLs, making it simpler to reuse and share map configurations across different reports. This not only enhances collaboration but also promotes consistency in reporting standards.

Moreover, the option to customize the outline color of map areas provides greater visual flexibility, catering to branding or data differentiation needs. The introduction of scaling UI elements with report zoom levels ensures that visuals remain clear and accessible, regardless of screen size or presentation context. Other enhancements, such as new controls for area color application and an inline diagnostics console, further empower report designers to fine-tune interactivity and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

Balancing Customization and Usability

While the expanded customization options in Synoptic Panel v2 are undoubtedly powerful, they also present certain tradeoffs. For instance, more advanced features may require users to invest additional time in learning and configuring the tool. However, this investment is often offset by the ability to tailor visuals precisely to specific business needs, improving the overall quality and impact of reports.

Another challenge involves ensuring compatibility and performance as visuals become more complex. The use of the latest Power BI Custom Visuals API addresses many of these concerns, but report designers must still balance the richness of interactive features with the need for responsive, user-friendly dashboards. Ongoing updates and active maintenance by the development team help mitigate these challenges, fostering a stable and evolving visual analytics environment.

Benefits and Impact for Power BI Users

Synoptic Panel v2 stands out for its capacity to deliver context-rich visual analytics that go beyond traditional flat visuals. By integrating interactive mapping and drill-down capabilities, users can uncover insights more quickly and intuitively. The flexible sourcing and storage options—whether from local files, URLs, or cloud—add versatility, catering to a wide range of organizational requirements.

Additionally, the tool’s ongoing development ensures that user feedback translates into meaningful improvements. This commitment to enhancement not only benefits current users but also attracts new adopters seeking advanced, context-driven reporting tools for their Power BI environments.

Conclusion: A Compelling Choice for Advanced Reporting

In summary, the launch of Synoptic Panel v2 represents a major leap forward for Power BI users looking to elevate their reporting capabilities. Its blend of ease of use, robust customization, and deep interactivity bridges the gap between raw data and actionable insights. While some challenges remain in balancing complexity with usability, the frequent updates and user-centric design make it a valuable asset for organizations with sophisticated data storytelling needs.

For those relying on Power BI to visualize complex scenarios involving maps and diagrams, Synoptic Panel v2 offers a highly effective solution for enhancing both data storytelling and decision-making processes.

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