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Tableau Desktop is a data visualization software. Researchers use it to create static or interactive infographic views of datasets, present and share them in different ways: in print, via social media, and embed in blog and website.
Getting Tableau software
Tableau Public is a free limited version of Tableau Desktop for users to create and share visualization online. As soon as a workbook is published to Tableau Public, the visualization is accessible by anyone on the internet, so be sure to only use data that is suitable for a public audience.
SFU services and support for Tableau and visual analytics
The SFU Library Research Commons offers two regular workshops which orient users to Tableau: an introductory session, and a more advanced session. If you are interested in booking a workshop for your class or research group, please email data-viz@sfu.ca.
The Vancouver Institute for Visual Analytics (VIVA) provides in-depth assistance with a research project. Visual analytics consultations are typically 30 - 60 minutes and are available to researchers from any discipline. To book a consultation, please email viva@sfu.ca.
Upcoming workshops and registration
Get Started with Tableau Public for Data Visualization [Online]
Tableau is a data visualization tool that is being used to help analyze data and illustrate the patterns and insights behind them. This online, interactive workshop will introduce researchers and students to Tableau Public, a free access version of Tableau.
You will leave this workshop with an understanding of how to:
- connect datasets to your Tableau workbook;
- create a variety of basic chart types (including bar charts, line graphs, and maps);
- publish and share interactive charts and graphs.
- No prior experience with Tableau is necessary.
- Before the workshop, please download and install the latest version of Tableau Public to your laptop.
Register for upcoming workshops
| Dates | Location |
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Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
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via Zoom (link will be sent to participants 24 hours before the workshop/event begins)
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Wednesday, July 7, 2021 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
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via Zoom (link will be sent to participants 24 hours before the workshop/event begins)
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Resources for learning Tableau
Resources from Tableau
- Tutorial with screenshots: Tableau Starter Kits
- Watch free training videos
- Register to attend live online training
- Learn best practices for different tasks and analysis topics in the Tableau Whitepapers collection
- Search the Tableau Knowledge Base for quick answers
- Ask questions on the Tableau Community Forums
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) Online Training Library (SFU account required)
- Tableau Essential Training [beginner level]
- Tableau 10: Mastering Calculations [beginner level]
- Tableau 10 for Data Scientists [intermediate level]
- Integrating Tableau and R for Data Science [intermediate level]
Further resources
- Here is a list of ebooks on Tableau from the SFU Library
- Data Visualization for All is an open-access textbook that shows you how to create interactive charts and graphs for the web
- George Mason University Libraries has a comprehensive guide on data visualization
- Alberto Cairo is an experienced data visualization journalist and designer -- check out his blog.