Transforming Data

Sometimes the data you want to analyze in Spotfire is not in the most appropriate format and may contain errors. It may therefore be necessary to perform modifications on the data before importing it in order to get the best results from the analysis.

There are several methods that can be used to transform your data before importing it into the analysis file.

Calculate and replace column allows you to replace a column in the data table with a calculated column.

Calculate new column allows you to add a calculated column to the data table.

Change column names allows you to change the name of one or more of the columns in the data table.

Change data types allows you to change the data type for one or more of the columns in the data table.

Data function allows you to use a previously registered data function as a transformation step.

Exclude columns allows you to exclude one or more of the columns from the data table.

Normalization allows you to normalize the data prior to addition of the data table.

Pivot allows you to pivot the data - to change the data table from a tall/skinny to a short/wide format.

Unpivot allows you to unpivot the data - to change the data table from a short/wide to a tall/skinny format.

Note: Additional transformations may be available to you if these have been added locally.

Note: If you are adding data tables from an external data connection, then the external data source will determine whether or not any transformation methods will be available.

To transform data

Select File > Add Data Tables... or File > Add On-Demand Data Table....
If you already have an analysis open, you can also choose:
File > Replace Data Table...
Insert > Columns...
Insert > Rows...
Select source type.
Browse for the file if needed.
Click Show transformations.
Add the transformations you want to perform on your data.
Click OK to import the transformed data to the analysis.