Tableau Prep Builder and Data Maps

• Basic knowledge of data concepts, including data formats (e.g., CSV, Excel) and storage
• Familiarity with using a computer and navigating software interfaces

Audience

• Data analysts

Tableau Prep Builder is a tool within the Tableau ecosystem designed for cleaning, shaping, and preparing data for analysis. It allows users to visually prepare and transform data from various sources without needing complex coding skills.

This instructor-led, live training (online or onsite) is aimed at beginner-level to intermediate-level data analysts who wish to gain practical knowledge of Tableau Prep Builder and the essential mapping functionalities in Tableau to address data preparation and visualization challenges.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Connect to a variety of data sources, including cloud-based and local files, and manage live and extracted data connections.
• Perform data fusion and combination using advanced joining techniques to merge multiple datasets from different sources for better analysis.
• Create calculated fields and perform operations to manipulate and analyze data dynamically.
• Publish and update prepared data to Tableau Server or Tableau Online, enabling automated updates and scheduling.
• Create basic and advanced maps with geographic data, including filled maps, density maps, and dual-axis maps.
• Apply mapping techniques to solve real-world business problems by creating interactive, detailed geographic visualizations.

Format of the Course

• Interactive lecture and discussion.
• Lots of exercises and practice.
• Hands-on implementation in a live-lab environment.

Course Customization Options

• To request a customized training for this course, please contact us to arrange.

Introduction

Overview of Tableau Prep Builder

• What is Tableau Prep Builder?
• Key features and benefits for data preparation
• Interface overview and navigation

Understanding the Role of Prep Builder in the Tableau Ecosystem

• Integration with Tableau Desktop and Tableau Server
• Workflow in data analysis and visualization

Types of Data Connections

• Connecting to cloud-based data sources (Google Sheets, AWS, etc.)
• Connecting to local files (Excel, CSV, databases)
• Understanding different data formats and storage types

Managing Data Connections

• Configuring data storage options
• Handling live vs. extracted data connections

Cleaning and Shaping Data

• Identifying and handling null values and missing data
• Splitting, renaming, and merging fields
• Applying filters and grouping data for analysis

Basic Data Transformations

• Applying pivots, unpivots, and aggregations
• Performing joins and unions between datasets
• Using the Data Interpreter for automatic cleanup

Combining Data from Multiple Sources

• Joining data across different formats (cloud, local, databases)
• Blending and merging datasets effectively
• Performing full, inner, left, and right joins

Advanced Combinations

• Using relationships to link datasets
• Understanding the differences between joins and blends

Creating Calculated Fields

• Basic calculations (arithmetic, string, and date functions)
• Logical functions (IF, CASE) for data manipulation

Performing Operations

• Aggregating data (sum, average, min, max)
• Creating dynamic calculated fields and applying them to datasets
• Custom calculations based on specific requirements

Publishing to Tableau Server and Tableau Online

• Steps to publish prepared data for analysis
• Scheduling updates for published data

Managing Data Updates

• Refreshing data sources in Tableau Prep Builder
• Automating workflow updates and running scripts

Understanding Geographic Data

• Geographic roles in Tableau (Country, City, Postal Codes, etc.)
• Preparing data for mapping (latitude/longitude data, geocoding)

Building Basic Maps

• Creating simple maps with geographic data
• Customizing map visuals (color, size, detail)

Using Map Layers

• Adding data layers to maps for deeper insights
• Creating map interactions and filters

Working with Custom Geographies

• Importing custom shape files (e.g., regional or demographic data)
• Plotting data using non-standard geographic divisions

Creating Filled Maps and Density maps

• Visualizing data density across regions
• Creating filled geographic maps based on specific fields

Advanced Map Features

• Creating dual-axis maps for enhanced insights
• Using map layers and filters to create interactive geographic visualizations

Hands-on Data Preparation and Map Creation

• Combining data from cloud sources and transforming it
• Creating calculated fields and operations in Prep Builder
• Building a comprehensive map dashboard using prepared data

Case Studies and Real-World Scenarios

• Solving business challenges using Tableau Prep and maps
• Building a data pipeline from connection to visualization

Summary and Next Steps