Visualization

Visualization is an automated intelligent tool that suggests and generates charts and views in the View Area by analyzing the fields you place in the Rows and Columns decks. Even if you don't have any fields in use it suggests where you should place Dimensions and Measures to achieve the view or chart you want.

By clicking on [Visualization] at the top right of the View Area you are presented with Chart Types and hints of how to generate those types. If you already have fields in the Columns and Rows decks, Visualization instantly arranges them for the type of chart you select in its choices. If you haven't dragged any fields into position, and you select a chart type from its choices, Visualization explains how many Measures and Dimensions need to be used and where they should appear in the Columns and Rows. Gray icons in the Visualization menu indicate those chart types aren't possible with the currently used deck items.

To launch Visualization:

1. Click the [Visualization] tab at the top right of the View Area.

2. Click on a triangle at the edge of a Chart Type selection. Possibilities for your currently used fields in the Columns and Rows decks have dark text, charts that are not possible for your currently used fields are greyed out. A text hint appears at the bottom of the Visualization menu to explain what Dimensions and Measures are required for the hovered Chart Type.

4. Notice the hint below the choices updates as you move your mouse over the menu. Pick one of the possible Chart Types. 

5. The View Area changes to match your Chart Type selection. The Columns and Rows fields will rearrange (if needed) to enable your Chart Type. The Chart Properties deck also shows the Chart Type you chose from the Visualization menu.

The Visualization Menu is unique in that it can be dragged over any area in Visual Analytics as a floating menu that will not force a rearrangement of the other decks. Clicking the floated menu's X will return it to its default location at the top right of the View Area.

Visualization Field Suggestions table

The table below indicates the suggestions for each of the visualization types. These are what you would see if you mouse hovered the icons in the Visualization Menu. Use this as a guide for choosing what fields you would need for the visualization you are attempting to create.