Summary of "Tableau Data Modeling and Layers (Physical & Logical) | #Tableau Course #33"

Tableau Data Modeling Concepts

The video provides a detailed explanation of Tableau’s data modeling concepts, focusing on the distinction and interaction between the Physical and Logical layers within Tableau’s data source environment.

Data Modeling in Tableau

When connecting data to Tableau, the data model can range from simple (a single table) to complex (multiple tables). Tableau offers four primary methods to combine and connect tables:

Joins (Physical layer)
Unions (Physical layer)
Relationships (Logical layer)
Data Blending (Visualization level)

Physical Layer

Contains physical tables that can be combined using joins or unions.
This layer handles actual table merging and data integration at the table level.

Logical Layer

Sits above the Physical layer and abstracts the complexity of multiple physical tables by presenting them as a single logical table.
Logical tables represent the merged result of joins and unions from the physical layer.
Relationships between logical tables are defined here; unlike the physical layer, tables are related but not merged, preserving their individuality.

Data Blending

Occurs at the visualization level.
Used to connect data from different data sources or models, allowing combined analysis across separate datasets.

Navigation in Tableau Data Source

The default view is the Logical layer, where users drag and drop tables to create logical tables and define relationships.
Double-clicking a logical table opens the Physical layer, where users manage joins and unions between physical tables.
Users can switch back to the Logical layer after making modifications.
Tableau provides visual cues indicating how many physical tables compose a logical table and the types of connections used.

Practical Use Case

An example involving “customers” and “orders” tables illustrates how to:

Create logical tables
Define relationships
Manage physical tables with joins and unions

Next Steps in the Series

Upcoming tutorials will cover how to combine tables in Tableau, starting with joins.

Main Speaker/Source

The content is presented by a Tableau instructor or course creator who guides viewers through Tableau’s data modeling concepts and practical steps within the Tableau interface.