In this module, students learn which chart types are most effective for displaying different types of data. Students also learn to create these charts using analytic tools.
Setting up the Software Environment
In this lesson, you will be using the analytic tool Tableau Desktop Professional to access data in a SQL Server Analysis Services cube. You will need to set up the software environment that you will be using. You will find instructions on how to do this in the Software Setup document.
Using the most effective chart to display your data is an important skill. They say that a "picture is worth a thousand words" and it is not an overstatement to say that using the correct chart to display your data may be worth millions to your organization. In this module, you will learn which types of charts are best for displaying which types of data.
You will use an analytic tool to create charts for various types of organizational data. Analytic tools generally make it much easier to interact with the data in ways that are intuitive, interactive and exploratory. As an analyst, you may focus on the data analysis rather than the technical aspects of creating charts. In many cases, analytic tools allow you to develop data visualizations up to 10 times faster than other types of business intelligence reporting tools. As you work with the analytic tools, you will note the differences from other tools you have employed. If you wish, you can view a short demonstration (1:51) featuring the capabilities of the analytic tool Tableau Desktop Professional that we will be using.
In this lesson, you will be using the analytic tool Tableau Desktop Professional to access data in a SQL Server Analysis Services cube so your first step will be to set up the software environment and then you will be able to begin developing your skills using the Tableau software to create charts and graphs.
Step 1: Set up the software environment you will be using. You will find instructions on how to do this in the Software Setup document.
Step 2: Refresh and/or develop your skills with our analytic tool: Tableau Desktop Professional from Tableau Software.
(Note 1: Most of you will already have used Tableau software in a prior course.
Note 2: Tableau Software prefers that we use their videos rather than developing our own.)
Review the following Tableau videos:
Getting Started with Tableau (21:00)
Formatting (17:00)
Analyzing with Tableau (10:00)
Step 3: Read "Which Chart or Graph is Right for You" from Tableau Software.
As you read, try to develop a sense of the many different types of charts available to you:
Then try to get a sense of the purpose of each chart type. You may have to reread the document more than once.
Note that the following information may also be found in an alternative format in the document: Creating Effective Charts Summary.
As you choose a chart type to display your data, you should keep in mind the following points:
Chart Type | Considerations |
---|---|
Bar Chart | Does your numerical data fall into categories? Do you have too many categories for the viewer to digest? |
Line Chart | Did you display numerical data over time? |
Pie Chart | Did you show proportions with six or fewer sections? Does the whole have meaning? Beware the pie chart. It can be misleading. |
Map | Is geography important? Is it the driver of your presentation? |
Scatter Plot | Do you want to see outliers and trends across variables? Do you want to see a pattern of distribution? |
Gantt Chart | Are you displaying project tasks/schedule? |
Bubbles | Are you using them on a map or scatter plot to show how data is concentrated? |
Histogram | Did you wish to group your data? |
Bullet Graph | Do you wish to show progress toward a goal? |
Heat Map | Do you want to show the relationship between two factors? |
Highlight Table | Did you want a heat map display with numbers? |
After you have created your chart, you should again review it to make sure that the chart type you have chosen conveys your message. Professionals always review their work and sometimes try several different chart types for their data before settling on the most effective display.
This work is created by the National Information Security and Geospatial Technologies Consortium (NISGTC), and except where otherwise noted, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
Authoring Organization: Bellevue College
Written by: Linda Rumans
Copyright © National Information Security, Geospatial Technologies Consortium (NISGTC)
Development was funded by the Department of Labor (DOL) Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant No. TC-22525-11-60-A-48; The National Information Security, Geospatial Technologies Consortium (NISGTC) is an entity of Collin College of Texas, Bellevue College of Washington, Bunker Hill Community College of Massachusetts, Del Mar College of Texas, Moraine Valley Community College of Illinois, Rio Salado College of Arizona, and Salt Lake Community College of Utah.
This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites, and including, but not limited to accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership.