A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable code for rendering graphical markers in a manner that avoids overlap of graphical markers on a map display. The process identifies a plurality of points for display from data describing locations and associated data about locations. The process determines whether displaying graphical markers for a set of points in the plurality of points will result in graphical markers overlapping each other. If the process determines that displaying graphical markers for the set of points will result in graphical markers overlapping each other, the process displays the graphical markers for the set of points in an arrangement that avoids overlap. Each graphical marker representing a point in the set of points does not overlap with any other marker associated with the map display when displayed in the arrangement that avoids overlap.