How to quickly find Fields in use

Question & Answer
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1

Hello Community,
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I have been refining already existing datasets and in the process of doing so have to spend time looking at which analysis/dashboard is currently using the dataset and which fields are in use directly and which fields are referenced in calculated fields. This takes time.

Is there a way to determine the dataset fields that are referenced in analysis/dashboards?

2

Yes, there is an easier way to determine which dataset fields are being used in analyses and dashboards within QuickSight. QuickSight provides a visual representation of field usage through the “Dataset Usage” feature.

Here’s how you can access and use the Dataset Usage feature:

  1. Open the QuickSight console and navigate to the dataset you want to analyze.
  2. Click on the dataset name to open the dataset details page.
  3. In the dataset details page, click on the “Dataset Usage” tab.

The “Dataset Usage” tab will display a visual representation of your dataset schema, with each field represented as a node or box. The fields that are being used in analyses or dashboards will be highlighted or colored differently from the unused fields.

Additionally, you can hover over each field node to see a tooltip that provides the following information:

  • Field Name: The name of the field in the dataset.
  • Data Source: The name of the data source associated with the field.
  • Field Type: The data type of the field (e.g., string, number, date, etc.).
  • Analyses: A list of analyses where the field is being used, either directly or in a calculated field.
  • Dashboards: A list of dashboards where the field is being used, either directly or in a calculated field.
  • Calculated Fields: A list of calculated fields that reference the field.

This visual representation makes it much easier to identify at a glance which fields are being used and where they are being used, without having to navigate through different analyses or dashboards.

Furthermore, you can click on the field nodes to expand or collapse the view, revealing or hiding the calculated fields that reference the selected field. This can be helpful when you need to understand the dependencies between fields and calculated fields.

The Dataset Usage feature provides a more intuitive and visual way to explore field usage compared to the tabular view in the “Field Usage” tab. It can save you time and effort when refining or modifying datasets, especially when working with complex datasets with many fields and calculated fields.

3

I don’t see any the items you mentioned in this response. If I go to datasets and open a dataset, I can see what analysis and dashboards are using it (and users who have access to the analysis and dashboards), but can’t see nearly the level of detail you describe above. I am an admin on our system.

I have attached what I can see. Is there a different version or access point to see the visual representation of our dataset schema?

We have been struggling with the same question and I hope I can use your solution above!

Screenshot 2024-09-27 at 3.29.01 PM
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Screenshot 2024-09-27 at 3.28.35 PM
Screenshot 2024-09-27 at 3.28.35 PM1417Ă—386 34.8 KB

4

Hi @Giridhar.Prabhu,
It’s been awhile since we last heard from you, did you have any additional questions regarding your initial topic?

If we do not hear back within the next 3 business days, I’ll go ahead and close out this topic.

Thank you!

5

@Brett it seems as the solution recommended above by @murili is limited only to the AWS QuickSight Console. Is there a plan to implement a similar feature in the data set authoring screen for non-admin users?

1 Like
6

Hi @Brett,

You can go ahead and close the topic.

7

Hi @BrianJager,
I’m unsure on the current roadmap for feature updates set by the AWS team but I can set as a feature request to add to their radar.