Converting Discrete and Continuous Dates

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En provenance du cours de University of California, Davis

Visual Analytics with Tableau

554 notes

University of California, Davis

Visual Analytics with Tableau

554 notes

Cours 3 sur 5 dans Specialization Data Visualization with Tableau

In this third course of the specialization, we’ll drill deeper into the tools Tableau offers in the areas of charting, dates, table calculations and mapping. We’ll explore the best choices for charts, based on the type of data you are using. We’ll look at specific types of charts including scatter plots, Gantt charts, histograms, bullet charts and several others, and we’ll address charting guidelines. We’ll define discrete and continuous dates, and examine when to use each one to explain your data. You’ll learn how to create custom and quick table calculations and how to create parameters. We’ll also introduce mapping and explore how Tableau can use different types of geographic data, how to connect to multiple data sources and how to create custom maps.

À partir de la leçon

Dates

This module highlights the important topic of dates within Tableau. You will be able to differentiate between discrete and continuous dates and when to use each. You will be able to use date hierarchies and use the date field to better customize your charts. You will be able to convert between discrete and continuous dates and know when and why you want to switch from one to the other. You will create dates using calculated fields.

Introduction to Dates1:03

Discrete vs. Continuous Dates2:36

Date Hierarchies3:33

Converting Discrete and Continuous Dates2:31

Tableau Calculated Fields4:59

Rencontrer les enseignants

Suk S. Brar, M.B.A.
Lead Business Consultant
Blue Shield of California

Welcome back. Earlier in this module,

we explained the difference between discrete and continuous dates,

as well as how and when to use date hierarchies.

For this lesson, I will show you how to convert

between discrete and continuous dates and vice versa.

You will be able to use these conversions in your own visualizations,

and you will be able to identify when and why you would want to

switch from one date type to the other. Let's get started.

Now, there are a couple of ways to create a continuous date from a discrete date.

First, let's drag our order date to the column shelf,

and then right click on the pill or

hover over the pill until you see the drop-down arrow,

and then click on that to reveal the context menu.

One of the options here is to convert the field to continuous,

or you can also select one of the predefined dates in the continuous block.

By clicking on the continuous option,

we have now converted our discrete date field into a continuous date field.

Instead of dragging the date field onto your shelf,

you can also right click and drag your date field onto the shelf.

Lets right click and drag our order date field to the column shelf.

Once you drop the field,

a window appears with a list of

possible values or variations you may want for your date field.

This allows you to directly choose a continuous format instead of getting

a discrete field and then having to convert it to continuous.

From here, we can choose the correct date field and click on 'OK'.

You can use these methods to change continuous dates into discrete dates also.

Treating dates as a continuous quantity is particularly useful when you

use Gantt charts or want to see trends using line charts over time.

But, if you want to be able to sort your date field for a specific visual,

discrete dates maybe more beneficial.

So far in this course,

you have learned a difference between discrete and continuous dates,

how to use data hierarchies,

how to convert between discrete and continuous dates,

and why you would want to switch from one date type to the other.

In the final lesson of this module,

we will discuss and create dates using

calculated fields for those moments when a date field is not available. Good luck.

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