Types of Data Visualization

There are many options available when it comes to creating visuals to represent data. This reading highlights some of the most popular. The purpose of data visualization is to facilitate understanding to viewers. Careful consideration must be taken when it comes to choosing the right visual to accomplish that task.

Table

A table visualization allows data to be displayed in a tabular view like a spreadsheet. It may use highlights or color coding to emphasize specific pieces of information.

Graph

A line or bar graph can show a comparison between multiple variables with categorical representation of data. A bullet graph is a bar graph with additional information points to show progress toward a goal. The histogram is a type of graph like a bar graph except that it shows a single set of numerical data instead of a categorical comparison and there is no space between the bars.

Chart

There are many types of charts available for data visualization. Charts take on these forms to convert data into a visually comprehendible display of information. Bar charts and pie charts display categorized information in a simple format. A box and whisker chart helps to visualize data ranges and medians. A Gantt chart is most often used to show timelines.

Maps

Geospatial data can be presented visually using techniques that incorporate color, points, and boundaries. The middle image is an example of a boundary map charting a specific area with pins. A heat map uses shades of color to represent different values and ranges.

Infographics

Infographics are used to engage audiences visually using vibrant images to convey an overview of information quickly. They are made up primarily of images with little text so that the focus is on the visual message's clarity.

Tree Map

One final type of data visualization we will review is a tree map. A tree map is a type of visual that will provide a hierarchical view of your data. With its layout and color coding it can be helpful to spot trends and patterns.

We use data visualization to tell a story about the results of our data analysis. When you are first starting with data visualization it may be helpful to try a few options to see what works for you and what you are trying to convey. Sometimes you may have one choice in mind but find another option works better!