Chief Delphi - FRC Blogged - Virtual Kit

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Re: FRC Blogged - Virtual Kit – Early Item Release

I've spent the last few hours messing around with Tableau, and I love it. Great tutorials. My question (that I believe wasn't answered in the video) is what is the best way to utilize the program when you have little data? For example, is it "worth it" to generate all the algorithms and graphs with blank data(with all the fields set up in access/excel), then replace the dataset with completed data? Or is the primary intention to generate the graphs and all the calculated fields 'on the fly'?

Re: FRC Blogged - Virtual Kit – Early Item Release

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevenStonow (Post 1313258)

I can't speak for Tableau specifically but I can speak general data viz - Generally you want to work with a sample of your data. This can be data generated to look close enough or it can be a subset of actual data. There are 'best practices' for designing visuals but in some cases breaking those rules can result in better visuals. Really you need to know your data and how to represent it.

I'd suggest generating a sample data set based on what you expect distributions to look like. Just so you have an idea what your stuff will look like.

Re: FRC Blogged - Virtual Kit – Early Item Release

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevenStonow (Post 1313258)

Andrew is right. The fake data was mostly provided for practice. Also, I will release another more relevant data set once the game is released.

Creating all of the charts with fake data is a good way to test your thoughts and to build the things you think you will want to use at an event. For inexperienced scouts, it ensures that your team will have at least a few of the graphs you may need once the real data comes in. I don't think the videos really highlight how fast we can make these graphs, but if I was to make one of these without explaining my actions it would take about 10 minutes to make everything shown in the whole series including the calculated fields.

TLDR; Use the sample database to blueprint the graphs you will want to make for the event. However, it is perfectly doable to generate all graphs and calculations at the event for an experienced user.