Tableau Visualization Training C3013

The Commonwealth of Kentucky collects a wide variety of information relevant to public health through multiple cabinets and departments: infant mortality, smoking rates, cancer incidence, mining permits, vehicle crashes, drug-related arrests, and much more. All of these data possess a spatial component—i.e., a location that can be visualized in some way. Visualizing the spatial distribution of these phenomena enables public health authorities and others to more efficiently address them. Many state employees with basic Tableau skills, however, have limited experience with visualization of public health data. Obtaining this experience while on the job is logistically difficult and time consuming, and thus rarely a priority. Furthermore, many state and local public health professionals do not have the software or training required for even basic visualization. Tableau is a very important visualization tool, which is progressive and timely for public health. Visualizing data allows public health professionals to tell the story and not rely on cumbersome documents that are not interactive and responsive in nature. By visualizing data, multi-factorial issues can be addressed, such as health equity, burden, and temporal differences that can''t be seen in a one-dimensional report. Tableau is difficult to navigate, and training is essential to have optimal results.