Hi Folks

I have mapped 4 different data sets to territories, all in different formats. The symbols are then overlaid on top of each other. How can I view all four separately and their balloon contents? Basically the last data set I imported is the only one I can see.

Any Ideas folks?

Have you looked at Pushpin Tool? It will let you turn on/off the balloons by dataset.

http://www.mp2kmag.com/downloads/pushpin.tool

Whilst that would work, my object is to compare the value of the territories for all three data sets at once. And quickly at that!

I guess you threw me off with the "all four separately"

This won't help much with the overlapping balloons, but I use a custom symbol set to help with displaying data that is matched to a territory or zipcode. The legend that is produced is not all that pretty, but the information is easier to see on the map.

My current map has nine datasets. For each dataset I use a different character (some shapes are the same as the default MP symbols -- circle, square, etc.). I created a custom symbol set using Paint and Wingdings or Webdings fonts. The base image was 42 x 42 pixels -- pretty large for MP symbols! Now, in your mind, split your image into a 3 x 3 grid. Draw a symbol, a circle for example, in the upper left square of the grid. Save the image in each of the colors you want for your symbol set. Draw another shape in the upper middle square, delete the first shape, and save this image in each of your colors. Continue for as many symbol sets as you need.

If you are only using four datasets, you can use a smaller base image size. Although it won't completely take care of your display problem, and is not as fast as using the default symbols (you have to go through and import each symbol and select it), this does spread the symbols out enough that they can be seen more easily.

If you only display the pushpin names, this also spreads the names out a bit. If you are using the full information balloon, the screen is still crowded.