• 13 May 2025

Configuring XML as an ODBC data source for Tableau integration

Setting up an XML ODBC Data Source in Tableau

To connect XML data to Tableau using ODBC, follow these steps to configure the data source and understand how your XML structure will be interpreted within Tableau.

Step-by-step XML-to-Tableau ODBC connection guide with DataModel configuration for optimal data representation.
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Step 1: Install the ODBC Driver for XML

Ensure that a compatible ODBC driver, such as the CData XML ODBC Driver, that supports XML is installed on your system.

  • Refer to the CData XML ODBC Driver Documentation for installation details.

Step 2: Open the ODBC Data Source Administrator

Launch the Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator :

  • For Windows: Search for ODBC Data Sources (64-bit) in the Start Menu.
  • Select the System DSN tab and click Add.

Step 3: Configure DSN Properties

In the ODBC setup dialog:

  • Choose your XML ODBC driver.
  • Set the URI pointing to your XML source (local file, cloud location, or FTP).
  • Provide authentication credentials as needed.

Supported Authentication Methods:

  • HTTP Basic
  • Digest
  • NTLM
  • OAuth
  • FTP credentials

Step 4: Configure the DataModel Property

The DataModel setting defines how XML will be represented in Tableau:

DataModel Option Description
Document (default) Treats the entire XML as a single document. Nested elements appear as aggregates.
Flattened Documents Flattens nested nodes into a single table.
Relational Splits XML into normalized, related tables with primary and foreign keys.

Choose the model that aligns with your desired level of data granularity.

Step 5: Connect in Tableau

  1. Open Tableau.
  2. Go to Data > Connect to Data > More > Other Databases (ODBC).
  3. Select the DSN you created.
  4. Load the data and select the appropriate tables based on the Data Model.

Example: XML Source and Resulting Tables

<Orders>
  <Order>
    <OrderID>101</OrderID>
    <Customer>Jane</Customer>
    <Items>
      <Item><Product>Laptop</Product><Quantity>1</Quantity></Item>
      <Item><Product>Mouse</Product><Quantity>2</Quantity></Item>
    </Items>
  </Order>
</Orders>

DataModel → Resulting Structure

  • Document : One row per order, items as nested aggregates.
  • Flattened Documents : One flat row per item with parent order details repeated.
  • Relational : Separate Orders and Items tables with foreign key relationships.
About DataTerrain

With a track record of serving over 300 U.S. customers, DataTerrain offers dependable assistance in Tableau configuration, including ODBC-based connections. Our consultants provide flexible engagement terms and are available to assist without requiring long-term commitments.