Even those most passionate about numbers will agree that dry data can be a little uninteresting and confusing. That’s when data viz, i.e., Data Visualization comes into play. It helps present numerous data in a visually easy, communicative way. In this read, you will find out about Data Visualization.  

What is Data Visualization?

Data Visualization is a method of organizing and displaying data through graphic representation. This helps make information compelling and more intelligible for everyone. Data gets a visual context through charts, maps, etc. Data Visualization allows you to understand the importance of data in just one look.   

How Does Data Visualization Work?

Data shared in the form of just text can be bland and dreary. However, Data Visualization helps even laymen derive meaning and information from data easily. It can reveal hidden correlations, trends, and patterns. The different types of visual representations of data are as follows: 

a) Static:

Static forms of Data Visualization involve charts, maps, and graphs. It is the time-tested method of representing information, used for centuries by experts.

b) Interactive:

Interactive forms of Data Visualization are new. These can be used through computers and mobile devices. They also allow interactive changes in data and its processing.   

b) Time Series:

Time series visualization helps track data and analyze performance and changes over a period. Line charts, bar charts, bullet graphs, etc., are used for time series visualization. 

Big Data is becoming essential for refining marketing techniques. So it is upon Data Visualization to help make sense of data that would otherwise baffle people. Data Visualization weaves a story that rows of numbers can’t reveal. It curates data in an uncomplicated manner, highlights what’s essential, and removes noise.  

Why is Data Visualization Important?

Data Visualization is an effective method of communicating information hidden in data. It is universally understood and can help identify customer behavior. It pinpoints areas that need attention and improvement besides making information more memorable.

It is also valuable for making predictions. So is applicable in areas of company sales, healthcare, economic conditions, and more. It decreases the time of decision-making as the information presented through visual tools is easier to absorb. Determining the future steps for the improvement of the company becomes more convenient in this way.

A visual representation of data is easy to interpret. Thus, even the audience and the stakeholders start to take interest in the information. There’s no need for data scientists in all this. Thus the distribution of insights becomes much more manageable. Threats and mistakes also become more visible. It helps to pinpoint –    

1. Correlations between independent variables
2. Trends over a period of time
3. Frequency of related or similar trends
4. Market insights to identify opportunities
5. Risks metrics, threats, and rewards
6. Reactions from the target audience in the market

Examples of Data Visualization Usage

Data Visualization has become popular in different industries. It can be an effective tool in different areas, from business to stock market, from healthcare to sports. Let’s look at some of the coolest applications of Data Visualization recently.

a) Visual History of Pandemics

Nicholas LePan has told the story of pandemics in “Visualizing the History of Pandemics” to shed light upon diseases, deaths, approximate time of the pandemic’s occurrence, etc. While it doesn’t give an exact figure, it is an excellent infographic with statistics data on fast-spreading infections, their growth with increasing population, etc.  

b) Global Cell Tower Map

Based on the biggest cell tower database in the world, i.e., OpenCelliD, a vibrant visualization was designed to cover 40 million towers in the form of an interactive map. It is interactive and attractive and one of the most appealing projects in the telecom industry. It shows the quality of cell towers in different parts of the world.    

c) Covid-19 Vaccination Tracker  

This interactive, animated tracker by Reuters is updated daily and gives you an idea of the percentage of people who have received Covid-19 vaccination worldwide. It shows the percentage of both single and double dosages in more than 80 countries. The data presented here is sourced from ‘Our World Data”, an Oxford University project.

Final Words:

Data Visualization has now become an essential tool in various industries and professions. Anyone involved in STEM fields, as well as sales, marketing, analytics, finance, history, education, sports, entertainment, etc., needs to have a firm grip on it. It is, therefore, one of the most beneficial professional skills to develop in order to present data clearly.

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