Changing Data Type

Arcadia Data allows users to change the effective data type of a column in the dataset model without changing the source data. This is useful in many business environments to ensure correct processing of numerical codes, catalog numbers, event ids, dates, and so on.

The following steps demonstrate how to change the type of a column. We are using the column iso_cc (the ISO-compliant country code) in the dataset World Life Expectancy [data source samples.world_life_expectancy].

  1. On the main navigation bar, click Data.

    The Data view appears, open on the Datasets tab.

  2. In the left navigation menu, click samples.
  3. In the Datasets area, select World Life Expectancy (samples.world_life_expectancy).

    selecting a dataset
    Selecting Dataset 'World Life Expectancy'
  4. In the Dataset Detail menu, select Attributes.

    detail of 'World Life Expectancy'
    Dataset Detail for 'World Life Expectancy'
  5. In the Attributes area, select Edit Attributes.

    Edit attributes for 'World Life Expectancy'
    Editing Attributes for 'World Life Expectancy'
  6. Under Measures, find the field iso_cc, and click the down arrow on its left side, immediately following the # icon.

    In the menu, select T String, and then click Apply.

    changing column type
    Changing the Column Type
  7. Under Dataset: World Life Expectancy, click Save.

    Saving changes to attributes
    Saving Changes to Attributes

As a result of this change, all new visuals created from this dataset will automatically use the new type. However, this may 'break' the visuals that already use the column in aggregations or custom expressions.