Assignment 8
1. What are the different Tableau files?
Ans-
The result of data analysis in Tableau can be saved in various formats, to be saved
and distributed. The various formats are referred as different file types and they
are identified by different extensions. Their formats depend on how they are
produced and for what purposes they are used. They are all stored as XML files,
which can be opened and edited.
Following table lists the description of each file type and their usage
File
File Type Purpose
Extension
It contains information on each sheet and dashboard that is
present in a workbook. It has the details of the fields, which
are used in each view and the formula applied to the
Tableau
.twb aggregation of the measures. It also has the formatting and
Workbook
styles applied. It contains the data source connection
information and any metadata information created for that
connection.
This file format contains the details of a workbook as well as
Tableau
the local data that is used in the analysis. Its purpose is to
Packaged .twbx
share with other Tableau desktop or Tableau reader users,
Workbook
assuming it does not need data from the server.
The details of the connection used to create the tableau
Tableau Data report are stored in this file. In the connection details, it
.tds
Source stores the source type (excel/relational/sap, etc.) as well as
the data types of the columns.
Tableau .tdsx This file is similar to the .tds file with the addition of data
Packaged Data along with the connection details.
source
This file contains the data used in a .twb file in a highly
compressed columnar data format. This helps in storage
Tableau Data
.tde optimization. It also saves the aggregated calculations that
Extract
are applied in the analysis. This file should be refreshed to
get the updated data from the source.
Tableau These files contain a single worksheet that is shared easily to
.tbm
Bookmark be pasted into other workbooks.
This file stores the color preference used across all the
Tableau
.tps workbooks. It is mainly used for consistent look and feel
Preferences
across the users.
Q2. Explain Charts, Tables and Filter in Tableau.
Ans-
2.1 Charts in tableau
Charts are the pictorial representation of any analyzed statistical data
Put up in graphical format consisting various shapes & Colors.
Types of Charts
There are 24 available charts in Tableau’s Show Me feature.
1.Text Table (Crosstab)
Similar to an Excel table, a text table allows we to see wer data in rows and
columns. This is not a great visual chart, however, sometimes it helps to see
what data we are pulling in. We can dress up the text table by using colors.
Use this if we want to see wer data in rows and columns without any extra
visual cues.
Minimum Requirements: 1 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
2.Heat Map
Similar to the text table but uses size and color as visual cues to describe the
data. Allows us to easily tell a story about the data. It is an effective way to
compare categories using color and size.
Minimum Requirements: 1 or more dimensions, 1 or 2 measures
3.Highlight Table
Use color to highlight data and tell a story. Also similar to an Excel table but
the cells are colored (similar to conditional formatting in Excel). Can be used
to compare values across rows and columns. We can change the color scheme
(different colors) and also reverse the sequential colors, if needed.
Minimum Requirements: 1 or more dimensions, 1 measure
4.Symbol Map
Use a cool map view to tell a story that has geographical data in it. Can
highlight where we have the most sales, or to identify concentration of
customers in a location. Use size and color to make the visual pop.
Additionally, we can change the Marks to be different shapes and even
use custom shapes. We can also use Map layers to create other visual effects
(removing coastline, etc). Need to make sure we have a geo dimension (e.g.
State). Another thing we can do is use maps as a filter for other types of
charts, graphs, and tables. Combine a map with other relevant data then use
it as a filter to drill into wer data for further analysis.
Minimum Requirements: 1 geo dimension, 0 or more dimensions, 0 to 2
measures
5.Filled Map
Similar to the symbol map discussed above, however, instead of symbols, we
use color to fill the geographical region in order to tell the story. We can play
with color transparency and borders to enhance wer visual. Again, a geo
dimension is required. A filled map is a great visual when we are working with
geographical data.
Minimum Requirements: 1 geo dimension, 0 or more dimensions, 0 to 2
6.Pie Chart
They are best suited to show proportional or percentage relationships. When
used appropriately, pie charts can quickly show relative value to the other
data points in the measure. Tableau recommends that users limit pie wedges
to six. If we have more than six proportions to communicate, consider a bar
chart. It becomes too difficult to meaningfully interpret the pie pieces when
the number of wedges gets too high.
Minimum Requirements: 1 or more dimensions, 1 or 2 measure
7.Horizontal Bar Chart
This is probably the most used chart and for good reason. It makes data really
digestible and tells a good story. We can easily see which categories have
higher numbers compared to other categories. In Tableau, we can use colors,
labels, and sorting to tell a story. A horizontal bar chart is a simple yet
effective way to communicate certain types of data, which is exactly why
they’re so popular.
Minimum Requirements: 0 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
8.Stacked Bar Chart
Similar to the horizontal bar chart discussed above, we can use the stacked
bar chart to show data in categories that are also stratified into sub-
categories. In the example above we have sum of sales by product type and
further divided into region. It allows us to see more details than the regular
bar chart would provide.
Minimum Requirements: 1 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
9.Side-by-Side Bar Chart
Similar to bar charts, we can use this chart to show a side by side comparison
of data. In this example we are looking at regions and types of product (decaf
vs. regular). The use of color makes it easier for us to compare the sum of
sales within each region for different product types. The side-by-side bar chart
is similar to the stacked bar chart except we’ve un-stacked the bars and put
the bars side by side along the horizontal axis.
Minimum Requirements: 1 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
10.Treemap
We can use a treemap to show hierarchical (tree-structured) data and part-to-
whole relationships. Treemapping is ideal for showing large amounts of items
in a single visualization simultaneously. This view is very similar to a heat map,
but the boxes are grouped by items that are close in hierarchy.
Minimum Requirements: 1 or more dimensions, 1 or 2 measures
11.Circle View
The circle view can be used for comparative analysis. We can customize wer
view by changing the shapes into triangles, circles, squares, etc. We can also
change the colors and size of the marks that we choose. It shows the different
values that are within the categories depicted.
Minimum Requirements: 1 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
12.Side-by-Side Circle View
Similar to the circle view. Here we can compare measures such as profit and
sales, using circles (or other shapes) in specific categories.
Minimum Requirements: 1 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures (requires
at least 3 fields)
13.Line Chart (Continuous)
To use a line graph, we must have a date (year, quarter, month, day, etc). This
is extremely helpful when we are trying to tell a story of how things changed
over a period of time. We can use several number of lines in the view to show
continuous flow of data.
Minimum Requirements: 1 date, 0 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
14.Line Chart (Discrete)
Similar to the continuous line chart, we must have a date field in order to use
this graph. The difference between the two is the type of data we are
showing, discrete vs. continuous. As we can see in the two sample chart
pictures, the continuous graph flows smoothly throughout the time period
selected. As opposed to the discrete chart which has a break after each
quarter (3 months). This allows we to slice and dice the graph for further
analysis.
Minimum Requirements: 1 date, 0 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
15.Dual Line Chart
Use when comparing two measures over a period of time. This view produces
unsynchronized axis but we can right click on the axis and select synchronize
axis (if it makes sense for the data). A dual-line chart (also referred to as a
dual-axis chart) is an extension of the line chart with a notable exception: It
allows for more than one measure to be represented with two different axis
ranges. This is done by assigning the right and left sides of the vertical axis
with different measures. In this way, we can compare two different measures.
Minimum Requirements: 1 date, 0 or more dimensions, 2 measures
16.Area Chart (Continuous)
The area chart is a combination between a line graph and a stacked bar chart.
It shows relative proportions of totals or percentage relationships. If we use
multiple dimensions, the chart stacks the volume beneath the line, the chart
shows the total of the fields as well as their relative size to each other. Similar
to line charts, we must have a data field in order to create a view over time.
This chart is used for continuous dates.
Minimum Requirements: 1 date, 0 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
17. Area Chart (Discrete)
Another area chart that shows the same data as the continuous area chart but
this one deals with discrete values. It allows we to have a picture of the slices
of data (by time periods we select, e.g. quarters, years, etc). Date field is a
definite requirement here.
Minimum Requirements: 1 date, 0 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
18.Dual Combination
Allows we to create a view that shows 2 different measures (e.g. Profit and
Sales) in one chart. We can synchronize the axis if it makes sense for wer data
set.
Minimum Requirements: 1 date, 0 or more dimensions, 2 measures
19.Scatter Plot
Scatter plots are great for comparing two different measures and identifying
patterns. Like the circle view and the side-by-side circle chart, the scatter plot
also uses symbols to visualize data (we can customize the symbols into various
shapes). In a scatter plot, both axes in the chart are measures rather than
dimensions (one measure on the Column shelf and another measure on the
Row shelf). We can add a trend line into scatter plots; this will clearly define
the correlation among wer data. Additionally, consider adding some useful
filters that allow users to interact with the data and identify various trends/
patterns in the data.
Minimum Requirements: 0 or more dimensions, 2–4 measures
20.Histogram
A histogram is a visual representation of the distribution of data. Tableau
divides wer measure into discrete intervals or bins. This is very useful when
we want to analyze how the data is distributed.
Minimum Requirements: 1 measure (bin field)
21.Box-and-Whisker Plot
This is a more complex chart that Tableau provides. It also deals with the
distribution of data. If we look at the visual it appears to be a box that has
whiskers sticking out at both ends. The box represents the values between the
first and third quartile and the whiskers represent the distances between the
lowest value to the first quartile and the fourth quartile to the highest value.
We start by determining the median of the data set. That is where the box
turns from grey to light grey. Then, the upper and lower quartiles are
determined. These are simply the median of the upper half of the data and
the median of the lower half of the data. That forms the “box.” The maximum
of the data set is the upper range while the minimum of the data set is the
lower range. That forms the “whiskers” of the plot.
Minimum Requirements: 0 or more dimensions, 1 or more measures
22.Gantt Chart
This is commonly used in project management, to see if various tasks are on
schedule. The Gantt chart is a great visual tool for depicting information in
relation to time, whether it is for scheduling or other needs.
Minimum Requirements: 1 date, 1 or more dimensions, 0–2 measures
23.Bullet Graph
Use this graph for comparing target vs. actual data. An example is to look at
actual cost of goods sold (COGS) vs. budget COGS. It shows we where we hit
wer target, missed wer target, or surpassed wer target. It is very useful for
analyzing actual sales compared to target sales. We can play with the size and
colors in this chart to help tell a story.
Minimum Requirements: 0 or more dimensions, 2 measures
24.Packed Bubbles
This is a fun visual to create and look at! It illustrates relational value without
regards to axes. The bubbles are packed in as tightly as possible to make
efficient use of space. We can change the size of the bubbles. As I mentioned
with the map view, I also suggest using this bubble chart view as a filter to drill
down on additional data.
2.2 Tables in Tableau
Tables, also referred to as “crosstabs” or “matrices”, focus on individual values
rather than using visual styling. They are one of the most common ways of
displaying data, and therefore, one of the most important ways people analyze
data. While their focus is not inherently visual, reading numbers is actually a
linguistic exercise, visual elements can be layered on to tables to make them
more powerful and easier to digest.
2.3 Filters in Tableau
Tableau lets we filter individual views or entire data sources based on dimensions,
measures, or sets. In databases, filtering is a useful way to see only the data we
want to see. When the data is visualized in a readable, actionable format, Tableau
filters are required to highlight any underlying insights that can be derived from it.
Tableau filters are based on a condition that can be used to limit the number of
records in the database. Tableau filters support both simple cases based on field
values and advanced calculations or context-based filters. The Tableau filter we
choose, or a combination of Tableau filters, is largely determined by what we
want to limit data set to.
Types of Tableau Filters
Tableau filters can be used to organize and visualize data based on predefined
criteria in several ways. Tableau has a total of six different types of filters:
Extract Filter
Data Source Filter
Context Filter
Dimension Filter
Measure Filter
User Filter
1.Extract Filter
The Tableau filter that extracts a small subset of data from the original data
source is the extract filter. If the user extracts data from the data source, this
Tableau filter is used.
2.Data Source Filter
The Tableau Filter that applies the filter directly to the data source, allowing for
quick uploads of data is the Data Source Filter. It can limit the number of records
in the data set. Both live and extracted connections are supported by the Data
Source Filter.
3.Context Filter
A Context Filter is a standalone Tableau filter that can create a new dataset from
the original data set and compute the worksheet selections. Context Filters are
used to boost the performance of data source views, filters, and queries. We
could run a context filter before any other Tableau Filters, and then apply the
remaining filters on top of the data returned after context filtering.
4.Dimension Filter
In Tableau, dimensions are independent fields, typically any field that contains
categorical or qualitative data. Dimension Filters are those Tableau Filters that are
applied to dimensional data. It’s a non-aggregated filter that allows we to add a
dimension, group, sets, and bins. The top or bottom conditions, wildcard match,
and formula can all be used to apply a Dimension Filter. This Tableau filter can be
used to include or exclude members from a dimension from the list. The following
is the procedure for adding a dimension as a filter:
5.Measure Filter
The Tableau Filter that can be used to filter data based on the values in a measure
is called the Measure Filter. Fields containing quantitative data are commonly
referred to as measures. The data can
6. User Filter
The Tableau filter that protects the row-level data in a dataset is the User Filter.
When the workbook is published on a server, it can be used. For different users,
different filtering conditions can be used. It’s the process of limiting what data a
user can see depending on who’s looking at the dashboard.
Q3.Why should we use Tableau?
Ans- We should use tableau as it offers following features -
1.Bring Multiple Data Sources Into One Single Point Of Truth
If we have data in Excel and Access, and SQL Databases, and cloud-based
applications, like Salesforce, Tableau can bring all of those together in just a few
clicks. No code required. This is one of the Tableau uses that helps we see the
business holistically and have one definitive source for all business reporting.
2.Perform Basic ETL Operations Quickly
performing basic ETL operations fast, If we need to transform data to get it into
the format we need, Tableau can do this very quickly with their automated data
reshaper tool. Again, in just a few clicks, we can split fields, concatenate fields,
join on concatenated or calculated fields, eliminate white space and headers,
change data formats. What might take a SQL coder several minutes to write code
for, or an business person using Excel a day to do, can now be done in seconds.
3.Provide Beautiful Dashboards And Reports
One of the uses of Tableau software is its visual features. Visual best practices are
built in, so even if wer end users know little about how to present information
effectively, Tableau can go a long way automatically to helping ensure reports are
both informative and eye catching, and present information in an understandable
way.
4.Conduct Investigative Or Exploratory Analysis At The Speed Of Thought
Tableau enables analysts to experience a state of flow – quickly exploring their
data, helping them find answers that lead to new questions which then lead to
new insights as fast as they can think of them.
5.Automate Reporting
One of the uses of tableau software is automated reporting. We can easily build a
report, then set it to point at a certain data set, have that data automatically
refresh and we never have to touch it again. Set it and simply see insights and act
on them. No code, no additional time, no additional meetings needed.
6.Control Data, Access, User Permissions, And Dashboards In A Secure
And Scalable Format Both On-Premise Or In The Cloud
Tableau understands that business users need insights fast, while IT needs to
ensure security, uptime, and infrastructure meets their standards. They make it
easy for business users to get the insights they need, while allowing IT to meet
their governance commitments.
Q4.Create Dashboard and Stories in Tableau.
Ans-
The various steps required to create a Story in Tableau are listed below , This
story uses the Superstore data set that is available as a sample on Tableau
Desktop.
Step 1: Click on the new Story tab to create a new story. We can then add
various sheets and dashboards to create a story point.
Step 2: We can double-click on the sheets and dashboards on the left to add
them to a story point. We can also drag the sheets into story point on the
Tableau desktop. All the sheets and dashboards that are added to a story are
connected to their original forms. So any changes made to the original sheets or
dashboards are reflected in the story. For example, let’s add a dashboard
containing the relation between Discounted Sales and Profit by Category to the
story.
Step 3: We can also add a caption to summarize the story point by clicking on
“Add a caption” and then writing it. Let’s add the caption “Relation between
Discounted Sales and Profit by Category and Subcategory” to our example.
Step 4: added another story point by 2 methods. We can either click on the
Blank tab to use a blank sheet for the next story point or click on the Duplicate
tab to obtain a duplicate sheet as the current story point. we click on the blank
option.
Step 5: We can change the size of our story by clicking on the Size option in the
lower-left corner. We can choose from one of the predefined sizes or set
custom size in pixels. We can also change the name of our story by right-clicking
on Story tab and choosing rename.
Step 6: We see a complete story on the relationship between the discounted
sales and profit
