Data analysis and visualization go hand in hand. Tableau allows users to perform in-depth data analysis and share results via interactive visualizations. Tableau includes numerous data modeling capabilities that allow users to make sense of data and to obtain meaningful insights, without having to deal with advanced database concepts. Data modeling is an important concept, and the more data you are working with, the more important it is.

As the amount of information we work with grows, we need to be able to efficiently perform analysis. Data modeling allows us to not only prepare for our analysis but to also make it as efficient as possible. At the end of the day, we use data to help us make better decisions. Spending time learning how we can model the data will help us identify what questions we can answer, and how to answer them. Regardless of the size of the data you are working with, Tableau will help you glean insights with ease.

This chapter will explain how to connect to your data and use Tableau's data modeling capabilities to begin your analysis.

The following topics will be covered in this chapter:

• Initial preparation
• Connecting to your data
• Building your data model
• Preparing your data