Summary and Setup

This lesson introduces data visualization using Tableau Public. You will learn how to load data, create basic charts and maps, and build a simple dashboard. The lesson uses free tools and open datasets. No prior experience with Tableau is needed.

This is a pre-alpha lesson. It’s still in development and hasn’t been taught yet.

  • Basic spreadsheet skills (e.g., sorting, filtering, understanding rows and columns)
  • Comfort using a mouse and navigating desktop applications (clicking, dragging, opening files)

Data Sets

Data #1: Traffic Collision Data from 2010 to Present

https://data.lacity.org/Public-Safety/Traffic-Collision-Data-from-2010-to-Present/d5tf-ez2w/about_data

  • Click ‘Export’ in the upper right-hand menu
  • Make sure the export format is “CSV” (default) and click “Download”.
  • Please put this in a folder where you can find it later.

Data #2: Spatial LAPD Boundaries Data

https://geohub.lacity.org/datasets/031d488e158144d0b3aecaa9c888b7b3_0 Click “View Full Details” in the left panel In the new page, click “Download” Unzip the zip file and put everything into the same folder as the earlier one

Tableau Installation

Tableau Desktop is available free of charge to full-time students. Tableau Public is a free version that anyone can use, featuring most core features. Both are suitable for this workshop.

Installing Tableau Public

  1. Go to https://www.tableau.com/products/public/download
  2. Enter your information and click Download the App.
  3. Install the application following the on-screen instructions.
  4. Open the app after installation.

Installing Tableau Desktop:

  1. If you are a full-time student:
  2. Go to this link: https://www.tableau.com/academic/students
  3. Click the central button “GET TABLEAU FOR FREE”
  4. Enter your details
  5. Click the “VERIFY STUDENT STATUS”
  6. Go to your email & find the email from Tableau with the subject line: “Your Tableau Desktop Product Key is Enclosed”
  7. Click on “Download Tableau Desktop”
  8. It will download Tableau Desktop and open this tab: https://www.tableau.com/products/desktop/download?signin=academic
  9. Follow the 3 steps on the website linked in step 7 (1. Download, 2. Install, 3. Register)
  10. Find & Open ‘Tableau Desktop’ in your Applications
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Tableau Student Signup
  1. On this window: Follow the blue link “Activate Tableau”
  2. Then this window will open and select “Activate with a product key”
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Tableau Activate Product Key

If prompted to create a profile, complete the form to activate your Tableau Public account.