Updating selected range for a BigQuery Table connected to a Google Spreadsheet

[calidadremoters]

Hi

I imported/connected a table I have in google sheets to BigQuery, however I might require to adjust the range in the future to include newly added columns in the spreadsheet,

Do I need to delete the old table and reconnect with the new range or is there a way for me to update the range of an already connected table to include the new columns?

Any help is appreciated, Thanks.

[ms4446 · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, BigQuery doesn’t currently support direct editing of the range for external tables connected to Google Sheets after they’ve been set up. However, there are effective strategies to manage and update your data seamlessly without needing to delete your old table and reconnect each time you make structural changes to your Google Sheets.

1. Creating a New External Table

The most straightforward method is to create a new external table in BigQuery whenever you add new columns to your Google Sheet. This ensures that your BigQuery dataset remains up-to-date with the structure of your Google Sheet, thus maintaining consistency for your analyses.

2. Proactive Strategies and Automation

• Anticipate Future Additions: When initially setting up your external table, consider selecting a broader range than currently needed if you anticipate adding more columns in the future. This can reduce the need for frequent adjustments, though it’s wise to be mindful of the potential impact on performance and costs.

• Google Sheets API: Automate the process of modifying your Google Sheet and updating the BigQuery external table configuration through the Google Sheets API. This can help keep your data synchronized while minimizing manual intervention.

• Data Transfer Service: Utilize BigQuery’s Data Transfer Service to schedule regular imports from Google Sheets. This not only ensures your data is current but also streamlines the integration of new tables with updated information.

Best Practices for Data Management

• Naming Conventions: Use clear and descriptive naming for your external tables to facilitate easy identification and management.

• Data Validation: After creating a new external table, it’s crucial to validate the imported data and ensure the schema accurately reflects your Google Sheet’s structure.

• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of your external table configurations and updates. This documentation is invaluable for managing your data sources effectively.

• Schema Review: Regularly review the auto-detected schema in BigQuery to ensure it matches any new columns or data formats in your Google Sheet.

Additional Insights

• Use of Views: Consider using views in BigQuery to abstract changes in the underlying table structure, simplifying schema modifications over time.

• Data Quality Checks: Implement checks to maintain high data quality, crucial for the reliability of your datasets in complex analyses.

[Wiktor_Jurek]

Unfortunately, you have to re-create the table. This is a limitation.

[Snoshone07]

Hi @calidadremoters when connecting Google Sheets to BigQuery, the initial range you specify determines which columns are included. Unfortunately, BigQuery doesn’t automatically update the schema when new columns are added to the sheet.

Possible Solutions:

• Recreate the External Table:
  If you're using an external table (via Google Drive), you'll need to delete and recreate it with the updated range to capture the new columns.

• Use a Scheduled Query:
  If you’re importing the sheet as a native BigQuery table, you can set up a scheduled query to periodically append the latest data from the updated sheet.

• Automate the Process with an ETL Tool:
  If you frequently update the sheet and need a more flexible solution, Windsor.ai offers a Google Sheets connector that dynamically syncs data to BigQuery, making schema updates easier without manual intervention.

Good luck!