Before we get started with some examples, a basic understanding of the row/column structure of a Spotfire data table is essential for data analysis and report authoring.
The columns in the dataset represent how the information has been categorized. They exist even if there is no data. Most people these days are familiar with Microsoft Excel. When you start a new spreadsheet, one of the first things I suspect you to do is decide what types of information you are going to add; for example, using First Name, Last Name, and Department in column headings in a simple human resources spreadsheet.
Once you have structured your spreadsheet with column headings, you begin to add the actual information, row by row. Your columns don't usually change in number or description, but your rows grow and shrink in number, and corrections...