There are a number of best practices to follow in order to use Q&A effectively, as follows:

• First, it is important to start with a good data model that has all of the proper relationships between tables.
• Second, naming tables and columns becomes critical when using Q&A since it uses the words that were typed into the question and tries to match words with the names of tables and columns within the data model.
• Third, it is also important that columns and measures within the data model are set to the correct Data types. This allows Q&A to return the correct results. For example, if a date column is set to text in the data model, Q&A will return unexpected results when using that date column.
• Fourth, it is important to correctly configure the Default Summarization and Data Category for columns. For example, we set the Year column in our Calendar table to have a default summarization of Don't summarize. This is because Year is a numeric column but we do not wish to ever aggregate Year. Data categorization is also important as this aids Q&A in choosing the correct visual to return as an answer.

We have followed all of these best practices except for the last one: data categorization. Data categorization is mainly used with geographic columns to denote the type of location element represented by data within the column. Using data categorization to tag these columns provides Power BI with hints regarding the type of information within the column and how it can be displayed. For example, categorizing a column as an Address, City, State, Country, or Zip code provides Power BI with information that it then uses to display this information on a Map visualization. To understand how to use data categorization, follow these steps:

1. While in the Report view, expand the People table.
2. Select the Location column by clicking anywhere on the name of the column.
3. Now, click on the Modeling tab of the ribbon and, in the Properties section of the ribbon, use the drop-down menu next to Data Category.
4. Currently, Uncategorized is selected. Change this to City.

Note that a globe icon is now displayed next to our Location column, denoting that this column represents information that can be displayed on a map.