About data densification

Data densification is a largely undocumented aspect of Tableau that can be useful in many circumstances but can also be confusing when encountered unexpectedly. This section will provide information about data densification with the intent of dispelling confusion and providing the Tableau author with sufficient knowledge to use this feature advantageously.

To begin to understand data densification, four terms should be defined. Data densification, sparse data, domain completion, and domain padding. The first two terms will be defined immediately, and the last two within the context of the rest of this section of the chapter. In addition to the definitions, each term will be discussed in detail via examples to help improve understanding.

Note

Data densification: A behavior wherein Tableau displays marks in the view for which there is no corresponding underlying data. Sparse data: An intersection of one or more dimensions and one measure for which there is no value...