How To Use A SIMPLE R Script To Import THOUSANDS Of Wikidata Into Power BI

This tutorial walks you through connecting Wikidata to Power BI using a surprisingly simple R script data connector. We're working with real-world data showing potential shipwreck locations off Scotland's coast, importing over 23,000 coordinate points that get transformed into an interactive map visualization.

The entire import process uses just two lines of R code through the WikidataQueryServiceR package, making it accessible even if you're new to R programming. You'll see exactly how to set up the R script connector in Power BI Desktop, handle the coordinate data transformation, and build an ArcGIS map visualization with custom tooltips and styling.

This same method works for any Wikidata query you want to bring into Power BI, from geographic locations to historical datasets. The tutorial includes the complete workflow from R Studio setup through final map publication, with practical tips for handling large location datasets in Power BI.

📩 Free Newsletter: Practical tips on Data, Tools, & Workflow - https://data-for-knowledge.kit.com/signup

📚 Prerequisites:
Power BI Desktop
R Studio
WikidataQueryServiceR package

⭐ Helpful Resources:
Guide for setting up R in Power BI: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-r-scripts
Wikidata query used in this project: https://w.wiki/4oVa
Previous video on creating the Wikidata query: https://youtu.be/ua5tUfZUDuY
An earlier version of this project can be found in Microsoft's Power BI Community - https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/R-Script-Showcase/Connecting-Wikidata-to-Power-BI-using-R/m-p/2008904

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Project overview and final result
00:25 Tutorial outline
00:48 The Wikidata query
01:30 View the data
02:50 Create the two line R script in Power BI for data import
05:50 View the data brought into Power BI
07:05 Change title of URL column
08:10 Split the coordinates into latitude and longitude
10:30 Create a URL column for link to external website
14:30 Update data category of fields
15:15 Plotting locations on map
16:50 Add map controls
17:30 Change title of map
17:45 Change colour of marker on map
19:00 Add slicers for latitude and longitude
19:45 Add title to the page
20:25 Extra - Add UKCS layer to map
21:20 Extra - Show drive time feature

🔗Resources:
📚 Reading - Books from Amazon – https://amzn.to/4jVcnLa
📝 Organising my work with Clickup – https://try.web.clickup.com/8emh4z1sj9w6

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Influencers/Associates program and a participant in the ClickUp Affiliate Program, and I may earn a commission if you click on my referral links and make a purchase. This disclosure is in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines on endorsements and testimonials.

✍️ My articles on Medium - https://medium.com/@paulinecairns

🔔 Like and subscribe to the channel for more Power BI tips and tutorials!
https://www.youtube.com/@DFK_data?sub_confirmation=1

💥 For more Power BI tutorials check out the playlists:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL856L03J0TRxECKNvqxtTbfqAaBiVz_wv
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL856L03J0TRz2UwQjSJvFfm2wPGtsDomi
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL856L03J0TRwRhJzb_K3VR-KuZ0IzHRlk

☕ If this tutorial saved you a headache today, you can support the channel via a 'Thanks' or a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/dataforknowledge

👉 Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-cairns-data

#PowerBI #Wikidata #RScript #DataVisualization #ArcGIS #PowerBITutorial #DataConnector #MapVisualization #RStudio #DataAnalytics #BusinessIntelligence #DataTransformation #WikidataQuery #GeospatialData #PowerBIMapping #OpenData