Tableau

Measures are numerical values that mathematical functions work on. For example, a sales revenue column is a measure because you can find out a total or average of the data. Dimensions are qualitative and do not total a sum. For example, sales region, employee, location, or date are dimensions.

Tableau represents data differently in the view depending on whether the field is discrete (blue), or continuous (green). Continuous and discrete are mathematical terms. Continuous means "forming an unbroken whole, without interruption"; discrete means "individually separate and distinct."

• Green measures and dimensions are continuous. Continuous field values are treated as an infinite range. Generally, continuous fields add axes to the view.

• Blue measures and dimensions are discrete. Discrete values are treated as finite. Generally, discrete fields add headers to the view

To visualize your data, you will drag both measures and dimensions into the data fields. If you wish to change the type of visualization, you will click the "show me" box in the upper right corner and you can select from a multitude of options.

Tableau allows users to perform calculations to better visualize data. You might want to store values like average, maximum, minimum, count, or general equations. You can create a calculation by making a new data field, within a shelf, and through a table.

Tableaus arithmetic functions are + for addition, - for subtraction, * for multiplication, and / for division

Other functions like maximum, minimum, average, and count are displayed as, "MAX(expression), MIN(expression), AVG(expression), COUNT(expression)"

{click here for list of expressions}

1. Making a Data Field - To create a calculated data field, you will start by clicking the analysis tab and then select "Create Calculated Field". The program will display a dialog box in which you can name the new field and type your indicated measures and parameters to create the equation. (Note: all measures in the calculation need to be enclosed in brackets [])

2. Making a Calculation Within a Shelf - You can create a temporary field within the shelves (rows and columns box) by typing the equation within the shelf. (All measures must have brackets surrounding them [])

3. Making a Table Calculation - You can make a calculation through the marks card by clicking the down arrow on a field in the marks card, then selecting "Add Table Calculation...". A dialog box will appear that allows you to specify your calculation type, your computation, and what you calculate. 

Tableau allows users to filter and group data in many ways in order to maximize the effectiveness of a visual. 

1. Nested Sorting - To order your data in numerical or alphabetical order, you can click the small down arrow next to the measure title in the data field. You can order from least to greatest, greatest to least, alphabetical, and a multitude of other options depending on the value.

2. Selection Filters - Tableau allows you to manually create filters that show the specific data you want to display. To do this, you first drag whatever measure you wish to filter into the filter card, then a dialog box will appear in which you can select what items you wish to display. 

3. Wildcard Filters - Wildcard filters are similar to selection filters but select values based on the parameters you set. They allow you to enter a key string that filters what data you want to display. To create one, you drag your measure to the filter box and select the "Wildcard" tab. In this dialog box, you can filter the data as you like.

4. Conditional Filters - Conditional filters allow you to filter data based on numerical values. To make a conditional filter, you drag your measure to the filter box, select the "Conditional" tab, and set your parameters in the dialog box.

5. Top Filters - Top filters allow users to sort data based on the ranking of certain values. To create one, you drag your measure to the filter box and select the "Top" tab. In this dialog box, you can filter the data as you like.

To edit any of these filters, you can go to the pill in the filter box, select its down arrow, and click "Edit Filter"

Sometimes when working with large data sets, you might want to group certain items together because they make more sense as one item.

1. Groups

To create a group, select the first item you want in the group, then you will hold down the control key and select the other items you wish to be included. When you have all the items you want selected, click the down arrow next to the group button (it looks like a paperclip) on the control board. To edit a group, you can find the group you have made under the dimensions tab. Click the down arrow in the pill and select "Edit group".

Other times, you may want to keep individual items separate but categorize them in a set.

2. Creating a set, editing a set, creating summaries using a set (subtotals, populations, etc.)

To create a set, select the first item you want to be included, then hold down control and select all the other items you want to be in the set. Then, a small dialog box should appear after you select your last item. Click the down arrow next to the button that looks like two rings interlocking and click "create set". If you wish to edit the set, you can find all your sets underneath the measures. Click the down arrow inside the pill and select, "Edit set". Another useful feature with sets is the ability to display summary data. To display summary data, click the analysis tab on the control board, and select "Totals"; there you will find a multitude of different summary options.

Proper formatting is essential in data visualization. You can personalize the style in which you display your data in a multitude of different ways.

1. Changing color schemes - To change the color scheme of a visualization, you can click the colors button on the marks card. Then you will select "edit colors", and a dialog box will appear with multiple options for the colors and pallets in your visualization.

2. Changing Text in the Visualization - To change the font, size, or color of the text in a visualization, select the label button in the marks card. A dialog box will appear in which you can change multiple aspects of the text's appearance.