Introducing 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 to their advantage.
To begin understanding data densification, four terms should be defined: data densification, sparse data, domain completion, and domain padding. In addition to the definitions, each term will be discussed in detail by using examples to help improve understanding:
- 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
- Domain completion: The addition of marks on a sparsely populated view that cause all...
