Creating hierarchies

Data can be organized hierarchically by adding more than one column to an axis. Instead of working with the separate columns on the axis, you can create a hierarchy in which the columns are gathered.

A created hierarchy is shown in the Data in analysis flyout and the Filters panel, and it can be used in any visualization. The hierarchy is associated with a hierarchy filter, which consists of an expandable tree view where categories at the different levels are represented by check boxes.

In addition, a hierarchy selected on an axis is supplemented with a slider, by which you can easily switch between the various hierarchy levels. The visualization will immediately adjust to the current level of detail.

See also Specifying time hierarchies.

Procedure

  1. On the axis, select the columns to form the hierarchy and place them in the wanted order.
    Note: If the number of columns added to an axis exceeds three, the name of each column will no longer be displayed. Instead the number of added columns is shown.
  2. Right-click one of the columns, and select Create hierarchy.

    You can, if you want, give the created hierarchy a name.

    1. Click Data in analysis Data in analysis iconon the authoring bar to open the flyout.
    2. In the flyout, locate the created hierarchy, right-click it and select Rename.
    3. Enter a suitable name, and click OK.

Example

In the bar chart, three columns are selected on the category axis. The data becomes organized hierarchically with three different levels of detail.
Hierarchy on axis
Below the columns on the axis are replaced by a created hierarchy, and a slider is provided.
Hierarchy with slider
You can quickly switch the level of detail by dragging the slider handle as exemplified below.
Different hierarchy levels
The created hierarchy is added to the Data in analysis flyout and the Filters panel. You can access its associated hierarchy filter both from the flyout and the panel.