Hi All,
I wanted to create reports using maps. My maps data will be based on the zip code information and then grouped accordingly.Is there a map based on zipcode available for NorthAmerica. Or should I go for a third party plugin..
Thanks,
Nithya
I don't believe that there is out of the box Zip code map. Further, I've worked with zip code polygons in the past, and they can be quite heavy in terms of the server load they pose. In my experience you need to be looking at a State/Province level or lower to make the map function with any kind of performance.
Though Cognos does not by default include zip code polygons, you can acquire them through government sites.
There are also a number of 3rd party vendors who do mapping integration with Cognos. ESRI has an out of the box product (developed by a childhood friend of mine). Their product is called Spot-On. It provides toolbox items directly in your Report Studio window. I'd start there if you have the opportunity to install ad ons.
http://www.esri.com/landing-pages/products/ibm-for-cognos/spotonsystems (http://www.esri.com/landing-pages/products/ibm-for-cognos/spotonsystems)