Datasets

Sigma’s Datasets are a flexible way to build centralized data definitions and guide data exploration. Sigma balances administrative control with the freedom to find, add, and trust new data. There are two types of Datasets in Sigma: Worksheet based and SQL based. 

Specific kinds of Datasets have different functionality. However, all Datasets function as sources of data. 

One of the most powerful features of Datasets are Links. You can define the relationships between Datasets on the Relationships tab, setting up the join keys between the Datasets. Once a Link is defined, users will easily be able to add columns from the linked data sources to worksheets based on the Dataset. They can use Links to add data using a pre-defined join path and an intuitive UI. 

You can also see the Lineage of datasets. Quickly see what data sources feed into your Dataset, and what objects use your Dataset as a data source. It gives you a high level view of the worksheets and other Datasets that rely on the data from the current Dataset. 

Types of Datasets

  • SQL Based
    • Use SQL to define the data within the Dataset
    • Materialize the results of your SQL back to the data warehouse as a table. This helps speed up query time and reduces compute. 
    • Create Relationships and Descriptions within Sigma
  • Worksheet Based
    • Turns a Sigma Worksheet into a Dataset. This designates the Dataset as a data source for users, sets up calculations as a single source of truth, and allows users to materialize the data in the Worksheet. 
    • Materialize the results of your Worksheet back to the data warehouse as a table. This helps speed up query time and reduces compute. 
    • Create Relationships and Descriptions within Sigma


Basic Dataset Edits

Add a Description

  1. Open the Dataset. 

  2. Click the information icon in the Dataset header. 

  3. Enter a description in the Description field of the Table details popup.

Format Columns

  1. Open the Dataset.
  2. Click the Edit button in the Dataset header.
  3. Find the column that you would like to format, and click the arrow next to the column name to open the column menu.
  4. Under Format, choose the formatting option that you would like to apply.
  5. Click Publish to save your changes.

Add Column Descriptions

  1. Open the Dataset.
  2. Click the Edit button in the Dataset header.
  3. Click to open the Column tab.
  4. Enter a new description the column's description input field. 
  5. Hit Publish to save the changes