Terminology - Amazon QuickSight
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Terminology

The following are some important terms that you will encounter in this guide.

Data preparation

Data preparation is the process of transforming data for use in an analysis. This includes making changes like the following:

  • Filtering out data so that you can focus on what's important to you.

  • Renaming fields to make them easier to read.

  • Changing data types so that they are more useful.

  • Adding calculated fields to enhance analysis.

  • Creating SQL queries to refine data.

SPICE

SPICE (Super-fast, Parallel, In-memory Calculation Engine) is the robust in-memory engine that QuickSight uses. SPICE is engineered to rapidly perform advanced calculations and serve data. The storage and processing capacity available in SPICE speeds up the analytical queries that you run against your imported data. By using SPICE, you save time because you don't need to retrieve the data every time that you change an analysis or update a visual.

Data analysis

A data analysis is the basic workspace for creating data visualizations, which are graphical representations of your data. Each analysis contains a collection of visualizations that you arrange and customize.

Data visualization

A data visualization, also known as a visual, is a graphical representation of data. There are many types of visualizations, including diagrams, charts, graphs, and tables. All visuals begin in AutoGraph mode, which automatically selects the best type of visualization for the fields that you select. You can also take control and choose your own visuals. You can enhance your analytics by applying filters, changing colors, adding parameter controls, custom click actions, and more.

Machine learning

Machine learning (ML) Insights propose narrative add-ons that are based on an evaluation of your data. You can choose one from the list, for example forecasting or anomaly (outlier) detection. Or you can create your own. You can combine insight calculations, narrative text, colors, images, and conditions that you define.

Sheet

A sheet is a page that displays a set of visualizations and insights. You can imagine this as a sheet from a newspaper, except that it's filled with charts, graphs, tables, and insights. You can add more sheets, and make them work separately or together in your analysis.

Dashboard

A dashboard is the published version of an analysis. You can share with other users of Amazon QuickSight for reporting purposes. You specify who has access and what they can do with the dashboard.