Is a data blend the same as a join?Ī very common question about data blending, is whether a blend is the same as a join? Data blending is hard to define. In this post showing coronavirus in England by local authority, the primary data source is the kml file, and the coronavirus numbers are blended in from a separate data source. It’s also useful when creating filled maps using a shape (kml) file.
For example, I used it in the post showing how to create panel charts in Tableau, where the abbreviated State Name was blended in from a different data source.Īlso, in the post demonstrating how to do date scaffolding in Tableau, one of the techniques showed to how to scaffold data using a data blend. I use data blending in some articles on other topics. It isn’t possible to join a Tableau data extract to another data source, therefore, when using extracts, data blending is the only option. With data extracts, there’s no alternative but to blend data sources. When used incorrectly it can bring down a Tableau Server. When used well it provides a simple way to add additional data to a dashboard. Tableau dashboard performance when blending dataĭata blending can be very useful, but can also be problematic.Limitations of data blending in Tableau.
This guide to Tableau data blending covers: Some of the data blending limitations are covered below. It has a few limitations which aren’t always clear, however, once data blending is understood, it is a valuable part of the Tableau toolkit. Many Tableau developers find data blending frustrating. It can be misunderstood, but, when using a data blend correctly, it is an efficient way to merge data sources in Tableau. Blending provides a quick and simple way to bring information from multiple data sources into a view. Data blending is a way to combine data in Tableau.