Custom marker types in SSRS maps

Question

I'm trying to integrate my own markers as pointers on my map. The defaults of circle, rectangle diamond etc... are not what I need and I'm looking for arrow symbols instead. Ideally the popular Microsoft wingdings arrows. I'm surprised simple arrows are not on the default list, I'd thought there would be many a need to indicate a rise or fall with any numeric data on a map.

I would like to solve this with an expression to force an arrow icon as a marker, can this be done by using it's character code etc..? I'm using SSDT to design the report.

Alternatively I'll just have to do this in paint and upload via the image import.

Food For Thought

I see they've done a great job in making the map process easy to set up, but when it comes to customisation from the norm it is extremely difficult.

TechNet: Understanding Marker type Rules:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee240825.aspx As you can see from the link (Which is one example as not to swarm this post with links) Microsoft make no mention of image upload or Expression input for maps. This I find is one example, the maps are great, but I feel it's difficult to get documented resources to further customise my report.

Answer 1

You'll need to use an image of an arrow for your custom marker, and you will still be able to change other attributes of it (size, transparency, etc).

If you use a custom image marker, you may run into problems where Visual Studio fails to render the map in design mode from time to time - it's incredibly annoying, so I find it best to drop in the custom images as the very last thing I do when building a map (just use a circle marker or something in the interim).