Display dimensions dynamically in Tableau

Jan 25, 2024

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When visualising data on Map, it is useful to flip through views without changing sheets. For example, viewing the population of an area by sex or by age.

Parameters in Tableau can be used to replace a constant value in a calculation or filter. By showing parameter control in the viz, viewers can interact with the visualised data directly.

Table of Contents

Sample Data

Name of District Council district	Male	Female
Central and Western	98282	137671
Wan Chai	67075	99620
Eastern	233542	296061
Southern	116238	147039
Yau Tsim Mong	138873	171774
Sham Shui Po	197878	233212
Kowloon City	179518	231116
Wong Tai Sin	187531	219271
Kwun Tong	312303	360863
Kwai Tsing	232213	263585
Tsuen Wan	146412	173682
Tuen Mun	240321	266558
Yuen Long	314056	354024
North	145343	164288
Tai Po	146038	170432
Sha Tin	317927	372879
Sai Kung	223094	265943
Islands	84985	100297

Step 1: Create a parameter

In the Data pane, click the drop-down arrow next to “View data” and select Create parameter…
In the Create Parameter dialog, enter the Name.
Under Properties, select Integer.
For “Allowable values”, select List
Enter the “Value” and “Display As” pair.
When finshed, click OK.
The newly created parameter can be found under Parameters at the bottom of Data the pane. Right click on it. Select Show Parameter.

Step 2: Create Calculated Field

In the Data Pane, click the drop-down arrow next to “View data” and select Create Calculated Field…
Rename the Calculated Field to something meaningful. In this case, the calculated field is named “Sex selector”
Enter the formula:
CASE [Parameters].[Sex]
WHEN 1 THEN [Male]
When 2 THEN [Female]
END
When finished, Click OK.

Step 3: Add the Calculated Field to the view

From the Data pane, drag the calculated field to Color on the Marks card.
Change the colour scheme by clicking the Colour button again and select Edit Colours…
Select different palletes from the drop-down in the Edit Colours dialog box.

Result