added new variable types, resolves #168

content/v2.0/visualize-data/variables/variable-types.md

@@ -9,26 +9,43 @@ weight: 207
 "v2.0/tags": [variables]
 ---
 
-{{% note %}}
-In the current version of InfluxDB v2.0 alpha, only [query-populated variables](#query) are available.
-{{% /note %}}
-
 Variable types determine how a variable's list of possible values is populated.
+The following variable types are available:
+
+- [Map](#map)
+- [Query](#query)
+- [CSV](#csv)
+
+## Map
+Map variables use a list of key value pairs in CSV format to map keys to specific values.
+Keys populate the variable's value list in the InfluxDB user interface (UI), but
+values are used when actually processing the query.
+
+The most common use case for map variables is aliasing simple, human-readable keys
+to complex values.
+
+##### Map variable CSV example
+```js
+Juanito MacNeil,"5TKl6l8i4idg15Fxxe4P"
+Astrophel Chaudhary,"bDhZbuVj5RV94NcFXZPm"
+Ochieng Benes,"YIhg6SoMKRUH8FMlHs3V"
+Mila Emile,"o61AhpOGr5aO3cYVArC0"
+```
 
 ## Query
-Variable values are populated using the `_value` column of a Flux query.
+Query variable values are populated using the `_value` column of a Flux query.
 
-##### Variable query example
+##### Query variable example
 ```js
 // List all buckets
 buckets()
-	|> rename(columns: {"name": "_value"})
+  |> rename(columns: {"name": "_value"})
   |> keep(columns: ["_value"])
 ```
 
 _For examples of dashboard variable queries, see [Common variable queries](/v2.0/visualize-data/variables/common-variables)._
 
-
+{{% note %}}
 #### Important things to note about variable queries
 - The variable will only use values from the `_value` column.
   If the data you’re looking for is in a column other than `_value`, use the
@@ -39,3 +56,20 @@ _For examples of dashboard variable queries, see [Common variable queries](/v2.0
   Use the [`group()` function](/v2.0/reference/flux/functions/built-in/transformations/group)
   to group everything into a single table.
 - Do not use any [predefined dashboard variables](/v2.0/visualize-data/variables/#predefined-dashboard-variables) in variable queries.
+{{% /note %}}
+
+## CSV
+CSV variables use a CSV-formatted list to populate variable values.
+A common use case is when the list of potential values is static and cannot be
+queried from InfluxDB.
+
+##### CSV variable examples
+```
+value1, value2, value3, value4
+```
+```
+value1
+value2
+value3
+value4
+```