Map Data from PostgreSQL and PostGIS in Minutes

The most effective PostgreSQL analysis often involves spatial data, with PostGIS geometries and location columns that become more insightful when visualized on interactive maps rather than examined only through SQL queries.

If your PostgreSQL database contains PostGIS geometries, coordinate columns, or geographic attributes that you analyze only through pgAdmin or SQL clients, you're missing the visual understanding that map-based exploration provides. That's why database teams ask: can we connect PostgreSQL directly to a mapping tool so our spatial data becomes visual without manual exports?

With Atlas, you can connect directly to PostgreSQL databases with full PostGIS support. No exports, no shapefile conversions, no barriers between your relational database and geographic visualization. Everything starts with your database connection and spatial queries that bring location data to life.

Here's how to set it up step by step.

Why Mapping PostgreSQL Data Matters for Spatial Analysis

Creating direct PostgreSQL connections enables better data insights and more effective geographic analysis for organizations using the world's most popular open-source database.

So PostgreSQL mapping isn't just convenient integration—it's essential capability that makes your database geographically accessible.

Step 1: Prepare PostgreSQL for External Connections

Atlas makes it easy to connect by configuring your database for access:

Enable external connections configuring pg_hba.conf to allow Atlas connections
Create a dedicated user setting up PostgreSQL credentials specifically for Atlas
Grant SELECT permissions ensuring the Atlas user can query tables with geographic data
Configure SSL enabling encrypted connections for secure data transfer
Whitelist Atlas IPs adding Atlas servers to your firewall rules if needed

Once prepared, your PostgreSQL database is ready for secure Atlas connection.

Step 2: Configure the PostgreSQL Connection in Atlas

Next, establish the connection from Atlas to PostgreSQL:

You can configure the connection by:

Entering host and port providing your database server address and PostgreSQL port
Specifying database name selecting which PostgreSQL database to connect to
Providing credentials entering username and password for authentication
Enabling SSL configuring secure connections if your database requires them
Testing connectivity verifying Atlas can access your PostgreSQL environment

Each configuration step establishes secure access to your PostgreSQL data.

Also read: Complete Guide to Connecting Enterprise Databases to Your Maps

Step 3: Query PostGIS Geometries for Visualization

To access geographic data from PostgreSQL:

Browse available schemas navigating your database structure to find tables with spatial data
Write spatial queries crafting SELECT statements that include geometry columns
Preview query results examining sample data to verify query correctness
Import to Atlas executing queries and bringing results into your mapping project
Verify geometry rendering confirming PostGIS geometries display correctly on the map

PostGIS geometry handling makes PostgreSQL spatial data immediately visible in Atlas.

Also read: How to Visualize BigQuery Data on Interactive Maps

Step 4: Create Geographic Visualizations from Database Data

To build meaningful map presentations from PostgreSQL:

Style by attributes coloring features based on column values from your queries
Configure layer types choosing appropriate visualization for points, lines, or polygons
Set up conditional styling applying different appearances based on data values
Add popup content displaying column values when users click features
Organize map layers arranging multiple queries into a coherent visualization

Visualization transforms your PostgreSQL queries into insightful geographic presentations.

Also read: Connect Snowflake to Map Your Data Warehouse Geographically

Step 5: Leverage PostGIS Spatial Functions

To use PostgreSQL's spatial capabilities in your queries:

Apply spatial filters using ST_Within, ST_Intersects, and other PostGIS functions in WHERE clauses
Calculate distances using ST_Distance to compute measurements between features
Transform coordinates using ST_Transform to convert between coordinate systems
Buffer features using ST_Buffer to create proximity zones around geometries
Aggregate spatially using spatial functions for geographic summarization

PostGIS functions let you perform spatial analysis directly in your database queries.

Also read: Visualize Databricks Lakehouse Data on Interactive Maps

Step 6: Integrate PostgreSQL Data into Spatial Workflows

Now that PostgreSQL data flows into Atlas:

Combine with other sources merging database data with other geographic datasets
Build analytical workflows using connected data in Atlas spatial operations
Schedule data refreshes configuring automated synchronization for changing data
Share visualizations distributing maps that display your database insights
Export analysis results saving enriched data for external consumption

Your PostgreSQL connection becomes part of comprehensive spatial workflows.

Also read: Connect MySQL to Create Maps from Your Application Database

Use Cases

Mapping PostgreSQL and PostGIS data is useful for:

GIS developers visualizing PostGIS geometries in browser-based maps
Database administrators adding geographic interfaces to PostgreSQL applications
Analysts exploring spatial patterns in relational database data
Application teams integrating database content with map-based interfaces
Research teams visualizing study area data stored in PostgreSQL

It's essential for any organization using PostgreSQL with PostGIS that benefits from geographic visualization.

Tips

Use PostGIS geometry types preferring native spatial columns over separate coordinate fields
Create spatial indexes ensuring queries with geometry filters perform efficiently
Test with limited data using LIMIT clauses initially to verify queries work correctly
Monitor connection pools being aware of database connection usage from Atlas
Secure external access using SSL and IP whitelisting for production connections

Mapping PostgreSQL data in Atlas enables geographic visualization from your relational database.

No exports needed. Just connect, query, and visualize your PostGIS geometries on interactive maps.

PostgreSQL with Atlas

Effective database analysis includes geography. Direct PostgreSQL connections let you see PostGIS data on maps without export processes or file conversions.

Atlas helps you turn PostgreSQL tables into geographic visualizations: one platform for connection, query, and spatial analysis.

Transform Queries into Maps

You can:

Connect directly to PostgreSQL databases with PostGIS support
Query geometry columns for automatic map rendering
Style features based on PostgreSQL column values

Build Analysis That Uses Database Data

Atlas lets you:

Use PostGIS spatial functions in your visualization queries
Schedule refreshes to keep maps synchronized with changing data
Combine PostgreSQL data with other geographic sources

That means no more shapefile exports, and no more gaps between your database and geographic visualization.

Discover Better Insights Through PostgreSQL Mapping

Whether you're visualizing infrastructure, boundaries, or analytical results, Atlas helps you turn PostgreSQL queries into geographic intelligence.

It's database visualization—designed for direct connection and PostGIS integration.

Map PostgreSQL with the Right Tools

Database data is valuable, but visualization unlocks understanding. Whether you're querying PostGIS geometries, styling results, using spatial functions, or building dashboards—direct PostgreSQL integration matters.

Atlas gives you both connection and visualization.

In this article, we covered how to map data from PostgreSQL and PostGIS in minutes, but that's just one of many database connections Atlas supports.

From PostgreSQL to BigQuery, Snowflake, Databricks, and MySQL, Atlas makes enterprise databases accessible for geographic analysis. All from your browser. No exports needed.

So whether you're connecting your first PostgreSQL table or building comprehensive spatial visualizations, Atlas helps you move from "database queries" to "map insights" faster.