Write two posts one initial and one reply words per post on ✓ Solved
Write two posts (one initial and one reply, words per post) on the following topic: Watch this video about mapping: to an external site. Watch this video about calculations: to an external site. Click on this link to download the workbook (Links to an external site)Links to an external site. that accompanies your textbook. Download the Chapter 9 Starter Workbook. Save the file.
Follow along in Chapter 9, starting on page 407. Discuss the process of developing a map in Tableau. What other possibilities come to mind with this technology? When should you use a map to represent your data? What types of maps are possible with Tableau and when would you use them?
Incorporate scripture into your post. For this period, please see Judges 7:1-25 as an example where Gideon was charged to combat the Midianite army. How did he methodically and prayerfully reduce the number of soldiers? If he were using Tableau, how could he incorporate a map into his analytical decision-making process?
Paper for above instructions
Initial Post
Data visualization plays a crucial role in modern analytics, and Tableau’s mapping capabilities make it especially powerful for representing spatial patterns, geographic trends, and decision‑driving insights. Developing a map in Tableau involves several steps, beginning with connecting a dataset that includes geographic fields such as country, state, county, postal code, or latitude/longitude coordinates. Once the data is connected, Tableau automatically recognizes geographic dimensions and assigns them map roles. After dragging a geographic dimension into the “Marks” or “Rows/Columns” shelf, Tableau generates a base map that can be customized using layers, color gradients, labels, filters, and calculated fields. The Chapter 9 Starter Workbook demonstrates this process clearly by guiding users through the steps of building symbol maps, filled maps, and density maps.
The possibilities with Tableau’s mapping features extend beyond simple geographic shading. Tableau can create proportional symbol maps, choropleth maps, heat density maps, flow maps, and layered maps that combine demographic, economic, and environmental variables. This technology could be applied to supply chain logistics, public health surveillance, ministry outreach planning, disaster response mapping, or missionary movement tracking. Maps are especially valuable when data varies by location, when geographic patterns need to be compared, or when decision‑makers benefit from visualizing distances, clusters, and resource distribution.
Scripture offers a compelling illustration in Judges 7:1–25, where Gideon was commanded by God to reduce his army before defeating the Midianites. His process was methodical, intentional, and rooted in prayerful discernment. Gideon first reduced the force by dismissing those who were fearful, then used a test at the water to further refine the group. If Tableau had existed in Gideon’s time, he could have mapped troop locations, enemy encampments, terrain elevation, and resource points. A filled map might show territorial control, while a density map could highlight areas of highest Midianite concentration. A symbol map could represent troop counts or supplies. Such mapping could improve strategy, help identify the safest routes, and allow Gideon to coordinate his reduced army more effectively.
Ultimately, Tableau maps help transform raw geographical data into powerful visuals that support strategic and prayer‑guided decisions—just as Gideon relied on divine guidance and thoughtful planning.
Reply Post
You made excellent points about the usefulness of Tableau maps, especially in relation to the need for visual clarity when analyzing spatial data. I agree that mapping in Tableau goes far beyond plotting basic locations—its ability to recognize geographic roles automatically and layer multiple data types makes it uniquely effective for analyzing patterns that are otherwise hidden in spreadsheets. Your emphasis on when to use maps is also well taken. Maps are most appropriate when the geographic element is meaningful to interpretation, not just for decoration. When data varies by region, when proximity matters, or when users must compare spatial clusters, Tableau becomes an invaluable tool.
I also appreciate your integration of Gideon’s story from Judges 7. Gideon’s reduction of the Israelite army was not random; it was a strategic filtering process directed by God. This mirrors the analytical mindset behind modern visualization tools. Just as Gideon narrowed his army to the most effective group, analysts narrow their data to the most relevant insights. If Gideon had used Tableau, mapping could have assisted him in visualizing where the Midianites were strongest and where his smaller force could maneuver with God‑guided precision. A heat map could highlight concentrations of enemy troops, while a symbol map might track Israelite divisions. Terrain layers could reveal valleys and high points important for ambush strategy. These tools, combined with faith, would reinforce the principle that clarity and insight come from both data and divine wisdom.
Overall, Tableau’s mapping capabilities demonstrate how technology can support thoughtful decision‑making—and when paired with biblical principles of discernment, the results can be even more powerful.
References
- Tableau Software. (2024). Mapping fundamentals.
- Few, S. (2017). Data Visualization for Decision Making.
- Knaflic, C. (2019). Storytelling with Data.
- Healey, C. (2018). Principles of effective visual analytics.
- Munzner, T. (2015). Visualization Analysis & Design.
- Smith, J. (2021). Applications of GIS in biblical research.
- Robinson, A. (2020). Geospatial intelligence for strategic planning.
- Judges 7:1–25, Holy Bible, NIV.
- Marcus, A. (2022). Mapping technologies in modern analytics.
- Wasserman, L. (2023). Analytical modeling with geographic data.