book

Communicating Data with Tableau

by Ben Jones

June 2014

Beginner to intermediate

334 pages

7h 35m

English

O'Reilly Media, Inc.

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Intended AudienceAssumptions This Book MakesContents of This BookConventions Used in This BookUsing Code ExamplesSafari® Books OnlineHow to Contact UsAcknowledgments
A Step in the ProcessA Model of CommunicationThree Types of Communication ProblemsSix Principles of Communicating DataPrinciple #1: Know Your GoalPrinciple #2: Use the Right DataPrinciple #3: Select Suitable VisualizationsWhat type of data do you have?What are the most effective types of visualizations for your data type?Principle #4: Design for AestheticsPrinciple #5: Choose an Effective Medium and ChannelPrinciple #6: Check the ResultsSummary
Using TableauMy Tableau StoryTableau ProductsConnecting to DataThe Tableau User InterfaceSheetsDashboardsThe toolbarData typesChanging data typesCalculated fieldsCreating visualizationsShow MeSummary
Communicating “How Much”An Example of How MuchComparing ComparisonsFine-Tuning the DefaultSortingThe Dot ChartCommunicating “How Many”A Tale of Two FormatsCounting DimensionsHistograms: How Many of How Much?Summary
RatiosTwo Ways of Adding RankRatesBlending Data SourcesVisualizing RatesSummary
Part-to-WholeIntroducing Filters and Quick FiltersIntroducing Table CalculationsProportions as Waterfall Charts Using GanttCurrent-to-HistoricalThe Bullet GraphReference LinesActual-to-TargetSummary
The Normal DistributionAn Example of “Normal” DataBox PlotsAn Example of “Non-Normal” DataSensitivity to OutliersVisualizing Typical Values of Non-Normal DistributionsSummary
Respecting VariationVisualizing VariationVariation Over Time: Control ChartsAnatomy of a Control ChartHow to Create a Control Chart in TableauThe quick methodThe rigorous methodUnderstanding UncertaintySummary
ScatterplotsWho Is Who?LabelsTooltipsAnnotationsMaking it ExploratoryAdding Background ImagesStacked BarsRegression and Trend LinesThe Quadrant ChartSummary
The Origin of Time ChartsThe Line ChartThe Dual-Axis Line ChartThe Connected ScatterplotThe Date Field Type and SeasonalityThe TimelineThe SlopegraphStep 1: Get the DataStep 2: Connect TableauStep 3: Create a Parameter and Matching Calculated FieldStep 4: Create the Basic SlopegraphStep 5: Add Line Coloring and ThicknessStep 6: Design the DashboardSummary

One Special MapCircle MapsAdding a Second EncodingWhen Marks MultiplyFilled MapsDual-Encoded MapsA Dual-Axis MapA Dual-Encoded Circle MapSummary
Maps with ShapesMaps Showing PathsPlotting Map Shapes Using AxesSummary
Dashboards in TableauA Word of Caution“Begin with the End in Mind”Types of DashboardsContext Is KingSummary
Building an Exploratory DashboardStep 1: DesignStep 2: SheetsMoving Things AroundStep 3: AnnotationsStep 4: Objects“Hover for More Info” iconsStep 5: ActionsQuick Filters on DashboardsDynamic Labels on DashboardsUsing Sheets as Filters on DashboardsHighlighting SheetsUsing Sheets to HighlightStep 6: FormattingSteps 7 and 8: Delivery and ResultsBuilding an Explanatory DashboardA Key Point to Explain: Nordic Countries in the LeadAnother Key Point to Explain: The Emergence of ChinaSummary
Animating DashboardsShowing Multiple TabsAdding Navigation with FiltersAdding Custom Header ImagesAdding Google Maps to DashboardsCreate the URLsAdding Dynamic Google Maps Satellite Images to Our DashboardAdding YouTube Videos to DashboardsSummary
TrainingExamplesBlogsOther Resources

Content preview from Communicating Data with Tableau

Appendix A. Resources

All of the examples in this book can be accessed as an interactive (Tableau Public), a Tableau workbook (.twbx that requires Tableau 8.1 or later to open), and the raw data file (.xlsx) at http://dataremixed.com/books/cdwt.