Tableau

Overview

Tableau is a software for building, publishing and sharing interactive data visualizations. There are currently two different versions available:

• Tableau Desktop/Online: licensed software granting access to all Tableau features

• Tableau Public: free version of Tableau with reduced features, requires public online sharing of each visualization

Process

Download

Both the free and public versions can be downloaded directly on the Tableau website.

The full desktop version is available here with a 14-day trial version.

The free public version is available for download here.

Connect your data

Build your dashboard

Publish and share

Tips

• Use the PCodes and ISO codes to connect different datasets. Tableau requires connecting each dataset in that you are using in your visualizations. Wherever possible, the most convenient way to connect two or more different datasets is using the PCodes. When using other attributes such as names of a country, district or settlement, there is a risk that the spelling is not exactly the same across the datasets, thus creating a risk of missed links.

• Use the “Aliases” tool to change the field and attribute names. Ever come across with names such as HHs_Female_U18_1-3_PWD_Yes or potableWaterPerHhWithIdpStatusBaselineApril2020? While technically necessary when using KoBo or other MDC tool, such names tend to be inconvenient or even unreadable to the end users. Generally speaking, the end users prefer to see standard spacing instead of camel cases or underscores used by KoBo or other similar tools. Hence, where necessary, you can use the Power Query to create duplicate columns with aliases and thus, increase the overall user experience.

• Leave an “expansion space” for your visualizations. Especially in large-scale sudden onset disaster situations, the figures tend to grow in a rapid pace. In addition to the absolute figures, the number of categories is likely to increase: more districts, more distinct groups of people affected, more response organizations coming into play… The increasing number of figures and categories normally means further population of the visualization elements, whether in a map, chart or table formats. Accordingly, in the very early phases of a disaster, do not squeeze your visuals into a too small space but make sure that the visuals will remain readable and meaningful even with the rapid changes of the situation. The same applies to the map elements: check that the zoom level of the map will expand as new geographical areas are being covered.

• Do not use Tableau Public with sensitive or confidential data. One of the disadvantages of Tableau Public is the compulsory sharing of the dashboard to the wider public. Even if you are not advertising the dashboard outside of OCHA, there is still a significant risk that outside audiences will accidentally find the dashboard. Accordingly, Tableau Public should not be used to display data containing any confidential, personal or otherwise sensitive information.

Outputs/Resources

• Download Tableau Public

• Creating interactive maps on Tableau Public

• Publishing Table visuals as embedded visualization on HDX

• Tableau Resources: How-to Videos