Metadata Meets Visualization with Tableau
In Tableau, metadata refers to data about data. It includes information such as the name and data type of fields in a data source, as well as descriptions and other details about the data.
Metadata is important in Tableau because it helps you understand and work with your data more effectively. For example, if you are working with a data source that has hundreds of fields, metadata can help you identify which fields are most relevant to your analysis and how they should be used.
There are several ways to view and work with metadata in Tableau:
- Data Source Page: When you connect to a data source in Tableau, the Data Source page displays metadata about the data source, including the name and data type of each field. You can use this page to view and edit metadata for your data source.
- Data Window: When you drag a field from the Data Source page to the Data window in Tableau, the Data window displays metadata about the field, such as the data type and any descriptions or comments that have been added.
- Tooltips: You can hover over a field in the Data window to view metadata about the field in a tooltip. This can be helpful when you are working with a large data source and need a quick way to view metadata for a specific field.
- Data pane: The Data pane in Tableau displays metadata for the fields in your data source, as well as any calculated fields that you have created. You can use the Data pane to view and edit metadata for your data source and calculated fields.
Using metadata can help you better understand and work with your data in Tableau. It is a valuable resource for improving the accuracy and effectiveness of your analyses.
Your data is the foundation of Tableau. Your data may be presented in a variety of forms and organisational systems, be categorised at various levels of detail, and may be related to other data. This is the kind of metadata that the Metadata API should be able to surface for you using GraphQL.
You must comprehend how Tableau interacts with content and assets in order to correctly develop GraphQL queries. Knowing this can help you choose the most effective technique to obtain metadata at the degree of detail you require.