Interfaces for Importing Data

This new data import experience feature was introduced in MicroStrategy 2021 Update 7.

You can import external data directly for use in creating dashboards. You can import data from many different data sources, such as an Excel file or a database, or by using the results of a custom database query. You can import data into a new dataset or add the data to an existing dataset. You can select multiple tables to create a single, multi-table dataset.

To import external data into your dashboard, choose Add Data > New Data. The Data Catalog dialog lists the available data sources. You can import multiple tables of different sources at one time.

After you import the data from the data source, you can modify and refine the data, using the interfaces listed below, before adding it as a dataset to your dashboard. You can use the same interfaces to make changes to your data after it has been imported.

• The Preview Dialog displays a preview of the data before it is imported and allows you to further define the data. You can designate a data column as an attribute or a metric, assign a geo role to a data column to generate additional geographical data, use data columns as attribute forms to define a new multi-form attribute, etc. You can view the objects in each table.
• The Parse Your Data Dialog allows you to select whether to import your data in a tabular or cross-tabbed layout. You can also insert column headers into the data, if the file does not provide them.
• The Data Wrangling Dialog allows you to explore your data to evaluate its quality and usability, and then improve its quality before importing. You can remove white space, filter your data, delete duplicate rows or cells, find and replace data, concatenate columns, etc.
• The All Objects View Dialog displays all objects in all tables. You can define the data, as in the Preview page, and can also improve performance by partitioning a very large dataset and creating search indexes for attributes.