topic Re: How to create a custom background map (not map shape)? in Discussions

How to create a custom background map (not map shape)?

EOwl — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:58:35 GMT

I'm attempting to overlay defects (X Y Coordinates) onto a custom background map (the semiconductor chipset geometry). The chipset is detailed in the typical -Name and -XY files.

On Background maps, the Scripting Index says:

Images are rasterized maps and support transparency. Boundaries are vector maps, defined by a shape file, and can be created by a user. You can specify either an image or a boundary or both.

but it doesn't detail how.

The JMP 18 graph builder menu (Graph> Background Map) only offers a few geographic options:

The example JSL is similarly cryptic, only referencing the name of a default map in the Boundaries function.

framebox << Background Map(
    Images( "Simple Earth", Transparency( 0.7 ) ),
    Boundaries( "World" )
);

The syntax of the boundaries function isn't explained, what do I type to input my own 'Shape File'?

<Boundaries("None" | Shape File)> )

Has anyone successfully applied a custom background map? Do the map files have to be stored in the C:\Program Files\JMP\JMP\18\Maps directory, or can they be anywhere?

Re: How to create a custom background map (not map shape)?

spyros_megalou — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:19:37 GMT

Hi @EOwl,
Not an expert in semicon maps but I would check the following resources:

1) How to make a wafer map in under 30 seconds
2) How to create a Semiconductor Heatmap
3) Creating Custom Maps to Enhance Your Analyses
4) Custom Floorplan Heat Maps Addin

Hope these will help a bit.

Spyros

Re: How to create a custom background map (not map shape)?

EOwl — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:40:16 GMT

Hi Spyros,

I did come across a few of the resources you posted, they've been useful as reference for utilizing the map shape part of graph builder. Unfortunately none of them cover custom background map boundaries, which is necessary for the chip map since I've reserved map shape for another layer.

Re: How to create a custom background map (not map shape)?

kristen-slappey — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 18:07:00 GMT

@EOwl We're in the process of moving this add-in over to the JMP Marketplace but haven't quite gotten to it yet. I can't speak to if it works on JMP 18 since we haven't finished testing it but this seems similar to the problem you are trying to solve and was highly recommended.
https://community.jmp.com/t5/JMP-Add-Ins/Custom-Map-Creator/ta-p/21479

Re: How to create a custom background map (not map shape)?

hogi — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:36:29 GMT

shapes:

background map:

Re: How to create a custom background map (not map shape)?

EOwl — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:24:03 GMT

How did you draw the background shapes? There's no other countries or state boundaries so it's not one of the default options, is it a custom map?

Re: How to create a custom background map (not map shape)?

spyros_megalou — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:39:39 GMT

Hi @EOwl ,

I tried to do it myself and I think I got it. So you will need basically to create your own background map or maybe your boundaries. As it is mentioned here Add Background Maps to Graphs: "The maps that you created from Esri shapefiles are also listed here. " So you would need to add your own map in the maps folder. In this webinar it shows how you can create your own Custom Maps.
So I just took the two files created there and added them to the maps folder of JMP (You have to go Help-> Sample Data Folder back two folders to the version number folder(e.g. 18) and then Maps. There you copy paste the two files you have created ( you can try with the ones from the Custom Maps webinar example Solar tracker-XY and Solar tracker-Name. Then they will appear at the boundaries section of the background map and you can add them there. This leaves the map shape free to add a shape of your choice.

I hope this solves the problem.

Spyros

Re: How to create a custom background map (not map shape)?

hogi — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:16:47 GMT

we should distiguish between
a) shapes (they are like fancy point plots, but with complicated shapes - not in the background : )

b) background maps - which are added in the background of the plot via:

If you are interested in shapes, not background maps, @spyros_megalou and @kristen-slappey provided the background information.

Concerning Germany and France, JMP is very clever, just drag the column into the map shape dropzone, that's it:

(view in My Videos)

When you want to use your own map shapes. you have 2 options:

a) set up a link between the indicator column and the -name & -XY files via Column Properties:

b) place the -name and -XY files into the Maps folder. You don't have to put your files there but this is the easiest way to access the information. then without any link, JMP will find the corresponding Shape automatically and it will draw the outline. (like with germany and france)

Re: How to create a custom background map (not map shape)?

spyros_megalou — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:36:34 GMT

Great post to clarify, thanks @hogi. Just to mention that my second message is about how to create background maps add them to the maps folder and then add them from boundaries in the graph builder.