Visualizing Data using MySQL and Excel 2013

In this video I show how to pull data from MySQL using MS Query and then explain best how to visualize the data. Oh, and you'll see a cool new Excel 2013 feature as well.

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Closed Caption:

With Edward Tuffte in mind I'd like to show you an interesting way of
visualizing data in a Histogram.
So, I am going to use the ODBC connection to pull the data from my
database.
So, start by opening up MS Query.
Select your data source.
Then select the table and subsequent columns you want to include in
your query.
So I need state.
Number of orders.
And zip code.
In this example, I really only care about the state, number of orders, and
population; however, I need to include the zip code as well as that is used
to relate the two tables to one another.
I am going to filter out all the blank values.
Now I need to add the zip code table.
Zip code. State. Population.
Now, if you have ever used Power Pivot before, you will love this
Click on one table, select pivot table, and then choose to add this data to
the data model.
I can now relate these two tables.
Now I am just going to relate the zip code.
Now I just need to create the pivot table like normal.
I am going to go ahead and filter by number of orders.
Now to graph the data, open up recommended charts and select combo.
I then am going to have the population on the secondary axis.
Change the chart type to area, and the chart type of the orders to column.
Now I am going to change the design to have the legend at the bottom.
Then remove all the field buttons.
So it's a little difficult to read at this point even if I expand the chart.
I am just going to include the top 20 or so states by orders.
Now, you have a nice visual and if you need more information, like the
population of NJ, which is hidden, you can just refer to the table.
So, you can see that there is plenty of room for growth in California,
Florida, and Texas.
It also appears that much of their current sales activity—and perhaps
marketing as well—is in the North East.
With the hard part done, there’s still more data to clean up and visually, a
title should be added and you could probably mess wih the legend.
I’ll let you be the judge of how best to do that.
So I’ll see you next time. Thanks.