How to create a parallel coordinates plot

In this new #skillpill video, you will learn how to create a parallel coordinates plot. Parallel coordinates are very useful when analyzing very large datasets. They allow you to compare multiple series and numeric variables. Values will be plotted as lines that are connected to an axis.

Each axis can have a different scale, as each variable works off a different unit of measurement, or all the axes can be normalised to keep all the scales uniform.

For this Tableau viz, Anamaria Brinaru used the Global Superstore database. Learn more about how!

If you want to create your own parallel coordinates plot, here are all the steps you must take.

Step 1: Connect to data

→In Tableau Desktop, connect to Global Superstore data provided by Tableau.

Step 2: Create a graph

→Create a calculated field named ‘Sales Normalized’:

(SUM([Sales])-WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Sales])))/

(WINDOW_MAX(SUM([Sales]))-WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Sales])))

→Create a calculated field named ‘Profit Normalized’:

(SUM([Profit])-WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Profit])))/

(WINDOW_MAX(SUM([Profit]))-WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Profit])))

→Create a calculated field named ‘Shipping Cost Normalized’:

(SUM([Shipping Cost])-WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Shipping Cost])))/

(WINDOW_MAX(SUM([Shipping Cost]))-WINDOW_MIN(SUM([Shipping Cost])))

→Create a parameter named Analyze by: with the following properties:

Data Type: String

Allowable Values: List

List of values: Country, Customer and Sub-Category

→Create a calculated field named Column Used:

CASE [Analyze by:]

WHEN ‘Country’ then [Country]

WHEN ‘Customer’ then [Customer Name]

WHEN ‘Sub-Category’ then [Sub-Category]

END

→Add Measure Names on the filter (select only the 3 Normalized fields previously computed) and on columns

→Add Measure Values on rows and choose line as mark type. Add Measure Values on rows and choose circle as mark type

→Right-click on the second Measure Values pill → Dual Axis. Right-click on-axis header → Synchronize Axis

→Place Column Used field on Marks → All → Detail

→Right-click on each field placed on Measure Values card → Compute using → Column used

→Right click on Analyze by parameter → Show parameter

→Add SUM(Sales), SUM(profit) and SUM(Shipping Cost) on Marks → All → Tooltip

→Add Measure Values on Marks → All → Color

→From Marks, → All → right-click on Column Used field → Show Highlighter

Happy data analysis!

Here is the Viz on Tableau Public>

About btProvider:

We hold all possible technical and sales certifications for all products: Tableau Desktop, Tableau Server, Tableau Prep, Tableau Data Management.

With Tableau Software – the best data visualization platform – you can always understand your business or your job better. Using Tableau, you will take smart and strategic decisions and you will quickly understand the data flow, numbers and results it produces.

Are you interested in learning more about one of the best analytics tools and implementing the solution in the entire company? Contact us!