Nowadays, data analysis is a crucial tool in a company and knowing how to use it is key to improving and optimizing the results of our production. Success comes from knowing how to read the information we collect throughout our journey. This reality has multiplied the demand for people specialized in this field. In order to become a professional in the world of data, it is important to train in it. At Inesdi we have the Master in Business Analytics and AI , a program that allows you to better understand the world of data and learn to manage large amounts of data to get the best out of them.
What is data visualization?
Data visualization is something as simple ebay database as the graphical representation of data . That is, placing the information in such a way that you can understand it in a much simpler way. All kinds of visual tools such as maps, graphs or infographics are used for this. In this way, we see the collected data in a much more accessible way and we can observe at a glance the trends, values or patterns that the data we have obtained show.
Although these types of representations have been used for a long time to view data, today, new technologies allow us to create quick visualizations , even online, to make our work easier.
Big Data has acquired great importance in the daily life of a company, so much so that many of them are based on the power of data, Data Driven .
Types of data visualization
There are different types of data visualization and each of them is used to make different readings:
· Column chart . This is one of the most common charts and is based on comparing data displayed between two axes that have metrics represented. It can be used, for example, to track monthly sales figures.
· Bar graph . It is a graphical representation of the results of a statistical analysis. It is also plotted on two axes and the length of the bars is what will indicate what we are seeing. It is used to compare the parts of a set.
· Line graph . It is designed to detect trends or changes that occur over time.
· Dual-axis graph . It uses three axes and allows a relationship between different variables to be shown.
· Pie chart . As if it were a cake, we separate a circle into different portions with percentages of the whole.
· Scatter diagram . It represents different variables along two axes. It is used to look for similarities within a set of data.
Data visualization tools
There are different tools for data visualization that will allow us to create graphical representations for any type of information. While it is true that they make it much easier to read and interpret data, some of them require knowledge of database management:
· Tableau . Allows you to generate maps, tables, graphs… it has a desktop version and another for the cloud.
· Infogram . With this tool you can link Big Data visualizations in real time.
· Knowage . It is an open source platform that offers reporting solutions.
· Charblocks. Allows you to create a visualization from any source. It has a wide range of graphics to choose from.
· Datawrapper – This is primarily for publications and journalists, but it also comes in handy if you want to add graphics to your website.
· Grafana . With this application it is possible to generate interactive and dynamic visualizations.
Data visualization, examples
As we have said, throughout history many graphics have been created that have allowed for easier reading of data. We have dozens of examples at our disposal that we can use to better understand the importance of these visual representations. Let's focus on two important examples:
1. The map of Napoleon's march to Moscow , created by Charles Joseph Minard, very visually shows the number of soldiers who marched there and those who returned.
napoleon march data visualization
2. Much more recent is the Obama administration's interactive budget chart to explain the distribution of budget allocations.