Spatial functions allow us to perform spatial analysis and combine spatial data with other formats. Tableau uses longitude and latitude data that you may have perform this analysis. This can be useful for mapping.
Here are some of the functions that are used in Tableau specific for spatial analysis:
MAKEPOINT – Converts longitude and latitude data into a spatial object. This means using this data we can plot a point in a particular area of space.
BUFFER – Based on a distance specified, tableau returns a buffer area around a specified point.
MAKELINE – Returns a line between two specified points. This is an evolution of the MAKEPOINT, where using two points that you may have, you can create a line joining them together.
DISTANCE – Returns the distance between two points in a specified unit: meters, kilometers, miles, feet. Must be linked to a live connection, even when data source is converted to an extract.
AREA – Returns the surface area of a polygon and can be set to different units: meters, kilometers, miles, feet.
INTERSECTS – Boolean function that returns true if two geometries overlap. Will return false if otherwise.
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