What is Tableau?
Tableau is the leading analytics platform for business intelligence on the market. It allows users to simplify raw data into a format that’s easy to access and understand by those working at any level of an organization. Even non-technical Tableau users can create customized dashboards and worksheets with the help of this versatile tool. Some of Tableau’s most remarkable features include its capacity for data blending, real-time analysis, and data collaboration. It can be installed directly onto one’s hardware from a web download and be operational in just twenty minutes.
This article will explore the various types of advanced visualizations that can be performed using Tableau.
Using Tableau for Advanced Visualizations
Advanced data visualization is a type of advanced analytics that applies techniques that extend beyond traditional business intelligence practices in order to depict data through cutting-edge visual displays. Those working with advanced data visualization search for ways to present data to their audience by incorporating techniques such as animation, auto focus, multiple dimension views, and other interactive techniques. When a two-dimensional display cannot fully capture the meaning and context of data, advanced data visualization makes it possible to clearly depict complicated information in a way that is simple yet engaging.
Tableau provides several options for Data Analysts who need to create advanced visualizations:
- Tree maps use nested rectangles to depict data. The dimensions establish the tree maps’ structure and measures are depicted by the varying color and size of each rectangle. Tree maps are commonly used to communicate sales data, since they can illustrate the relative sizes of categories of data. The use of color in these maps helps the audience spot items that are under or over-performing.
- Waterfall charts are used to depict the cumulative effects of a set of positive and negative values. This chart type depicts where a value starts and ends, as well as how it arrives there incrementally. The information on waterfall charts not only indicates the size of changes, but also the difference in values from one consecutive data point to the next.
- Motion charts are a great tool for those who need to present data that is subject to real-time changes. This form of charts depicts data using the X and Y axes and indicate variations over time by indicating the movement of data points within a given space, as well as changes to the color of these lines. Motion charts make it possible to see more than a snapshot of data, but to also get a full picture of how it has changed in time.
- Crosstab charts, also known as text tables, display data textually. Crosstab charts are formed using one or multiple dimensions, and one or multiple measures. In addition, this type of chart can also indicate the values of items such as running total or percentage total.
- Bubble charts depict data in clusters of circles. The values in the dimension field are shown as circles, and the values of measure are depicted by the various circle sizes.
- Bump charts are helpful in situations in which two dimensions need to be compared and contrasted to one another by using a Measure value. This kind of chart has applications for those whose data depicts variations in the rank of a value over a time or place dimension, or any other pertinent dimension.
- Box plots, or box-and-whisker plots, indicate how values are distributed along an axis. The boxes stand for the middle 50% of the data, whereas the other half is shown by lines, or whiskers. Box plots offer a visual summary of data, which helps researchers to easily spot mean values.
- Bullet graphs are a kind of bar graph that is used in place of dashboard gauges and meters. This form of chart is especially suited for situations in which the performance of a primary measure has to be compared to one or more other measures.
In addition to the various kinds of basic and advanced data visualizations Tableau helps users create, this platform also provides various advanced options and functions that help to create cutting-edge visuals:
- Forecasting pertains to offering a prediction about the future value of a measure. When working with Tableau, the mathematical forecasting model called exponential smoothing is used. This provides users with a way to show that more recent observations are given more weight than older ones. Forecasting is used to convey the evolution of a trend, or to explore the seasonality of a dataset, and to offer predictions about the expected future trajectory.
- Once data is segmented and categorized, rapid cohortanalysis can be performed. Tableau allows users to move through multiple perspectives at a fast rate by breaking down data almond as many dimensions as are desired. In addition, automated clustering through machine learning can be applied to improve segments and to help identify patterns that emerge from datasets.
- Trend lines are incorporated in instances when it is important to predict a variable’s continuation. They can be used to indicate the correlation between two variables by simultaneously observing trends in each. Tableau offers users four mathematical models for creating trend lines: polynomial, linear, logarithmic, and exponential.
- Time series analysis in Tableau provides a powerful way for users to explore trends or seasonality in data. This form of analysis can also lead to predictive forecasting models.
- Tableau makes it easy to perform what-if analysis on data in order to test various scenarios. By providing features such as groups, sets, parameters, and drag-and-drop segmentation, Tableau enables users to progress from theories and hypotheses into professional-grade dashboards that invite audience members in so that they can test their own scenarios.
As the above list indicates, various charts, graphs, or tables are available in Tableau that are best suited for presenting varying types of data, or spotting different sorts of patterns or trends. With the help of advanced analytics and visualization functions, Tableau users have access to an array of tools to help visually convey data in an engaging and memorable manner to their audience.
Hands-on Data Visualization & Tableau Classes
If you want to learn how to create your own stunning data visualizations, such as charts, maps, and graphics, Noble Desktop’s Data Visualization Classes Near Me tool makes it easy to locate and learn more about over 200 courses currently offered in the in-person and live online formats. Class lengths vary from three hours to five months and cost from $119 to $12,995.
For learners specifically interested in studying Tableau, Noble Desktop’s Tableau classes provide a great option. These small group classes are available in-person in NYC, as well as in the live online format. Tableau courses teach students skills like how to spot the most optimal datasets to connect to, as well as how to analyze, filter, structure, and visually represent data.
In addition, a variety of live online Tableau courses are also currently available from top training providers. These interactive classes are taught in real-time and provide all learners with access to an instructor who is live and ready to provide feedback and answer questions. Courses range from seven hours to five days in duration and cost $299- $2,199.
Those who are interested in finding nearby Tableau classes can use Noble’s Tableau Classes Near Me tool. This handy tool provides an easy way to locate and browse more than three dozen of the best Tableau classes currently offered in the in-person and live online formats so that all interested learners can find the course that works best for them.