Visual Analytics with Tableau

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/dataviz-visual-analytics

Introduction

### Course Review: Visual Analytics with Tableau on Coursera If you're looking to elevate your data visualization skills and glean meaningful insights from your data, the **Visual Analytics with Tableau** course on Coursera is a fantastic option. This course is part of a specialization that delves into the rich ecosystem of Tableau, one of the leading tools for data visualization. This third course in the specialization brings you on an immersive journey through various essential aspects of Tableau, including advanced charting, date handling, table calculations, and mapping. #### Course Overview The **Visual Analytics with Tableau** course aims to explore the deeper functionalities of Tableau. Not only will you learn to create compelling visualizations, but also to choose the right types of charts based on the data type you are working with. Whether you’re building scatter plots, Gantt charts, histograms, or bullet charts, you’ll gain insights into best practices and charting guidelines that will enhance your visual storytelling. #### Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Getting Started and Charting**: This introductory module builds on your existing Tableau skills. You’ll refine your ability to adjust colors, shapes, and sizes of charts, which are critical for effective data representation. You will also grasp the concept of the Tableau Tooltip, learning moments when it can add value to your visualizations. The module ends with you creating your first chart, combining design skills with analytics. 2. **Dates**: Dates are integral in any data-driven analysis. This module will guide you through distinguishing between discrete and continuous dates, helping you determine the right usage for different chart types. You’ll explore how to create date hierarchies, use date fields for customization, and the potential of calculated fields for dates. 3. **Table Calculations**: In this module, you will dive into table calculations—a powerful feature in Tableau. This will allow for deeper analysis as you learn to create new calculated fields, compare fields, and apply aggregations effectively. The introduction of quick table calculations offers an efficient way to enhance your data insights. Plus, you will also learn how to customize these calculations and incorporate filters and parameters for better analytical depth. 4. **Mapping**: Mapping is where the magic truly happens in Tableau, and this module enhances your spatial analysis skills. You will learn to connect to various data sources and customize your maps, transforming raw data into compelling geographic visualizations. The ability to create dual-layer maps and overlay different datasets opens new avenues for visual storytelling and data analysis. #### Why You Should Take This Course - **Hands-On Experience**: The course emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, which is crucial when it comes to mastering Tableau tools. Each module incorporates opportunities for direct practice, allowing you to cement your understanding as you progress. - **Applicability**: Whether you’re a budding analyst or an experienced data scientist, mastering these skills can significantly enhance your ability to communicate insights and tell stories with data. - **Structured Learning Path**: The clear structure of the syllabus helps you build a strong foundation as you progress. The logical flow from charting to advanced mapping ensures that learners of all levels can follow along and gain value from the course. - **Industry-Standard Tool**: Tableau is widely used in the industry, so learning how to navigate its complexities will position you favorably in the job market. This course provides relevant skills that are directly applicable to real-world data analysis scenarios. #### Conclusion and Recommendation In conclusion, the **Visual Analytics with Tableau** course on Coursera is a must-take for anyone serious about mastering data visualization. With its comprehensive syllabus and practical focus, this course arms you with the tools needed to create insightful visual narratives and make data-driven decisions effectively. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to both novices eager to learn and seasoned professionals looking to sharpen their skills. Enroll today and start your journey toward becoming an adept visual analyst!

Syllabus

Getting Started and Charting

In this module, you will explore the topic of charting in Tableau. By now you should already be well versed in how to change colors, shapes, and sizes of charts, so we are going to practice and demonstrate that skill more. You will be able to explain what the Tableau Tooltip does and when to use it. You will be able to discuss the various guidelines for choosing the right chart for your data. You will also create a chart using Tableau.

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.

In this module, you will focus on table calculations. You will be able to create new calculated fields to allow you to compare fields, apply aggregations, and more. You will be able use quick table calculations and create new calculated fields. You will be able to customize them and apply filters and parameters to your table calculations.

In this final module, we will go more in depths about maps within Tableau. You will be able to connect to a different data sources and customize your maps by changing colors, shapes, and sizes. You will be able to custom geocode a map and create Tableau maps with geographic data that is not recognized by Tableau. You will also be able to create dual layer maps and showcase how to overlay maps on top of one another.